Newest Geriatric Q & A Exam| Questions And Verified
Answers With Rationale| Graded A+
An 81-year-old female called 911 when she suddenly lost vision in her right eye.
Based on this description, the EMT should be suspicious of: - ANSWERretinal
detachment.
You have been called for a 91-year-old female who fell. Since your assessment
reveals bruises to her body in various stages of healing and inconsistencies in
information provided by her family, you are suspicious of geriatric abuse. Your best
action would be to: - ANSWERquietly transport and inform the emergency
department physician.
The son of an 88-year-old patient states that he told his mother to double the dose
of her antibiotic so she would "get better faster." This represents a problem given
that the elderly have a(n): - ANSWERdecreased liver and kidney function.
You have been called for a conscious and alert 83-year-old male complaining of a
fever for three days. He has a history of peripheral vascular disease. When assessing
the patient's circulation, you have a difficult time feeling his radial pulse. Your next
action would be to: - ANSWERlocate the patient's carotid pulse.
A patient with advanced dementia cannot provide an accurate medical history. In
this situation, the EMT's best course of action would be to: - ANSWERask family
members about the patient's past medical history.
A new EMT asks you why the elderly are at a higher risk for developing pneumonia,
as compared to those of a younger age. You inform him that the elderly are more
susceptible to respiratory infections because of a(n): - ANSWERdecreased cough
reflex
You are caring for an elderly male who has fallen in his bedroom and has suspected
hip and cervical trauma. While positioning him on the backboard, you find a large
gap between the back of the head and the surface of the backboard. You should: -
ANSWERUse padding to fill the void
Ageism would occur when the EMT: - ANSWERdoes not attempt to assess combative
elderly patients with dementia.
In reviewing prehospital care reports, you note that over 75 percent of the patients
from a nursing home suffer from hypertension. As a knowledgeable EMT, you would
recognize that: - ANSWERhypertension is common among the elderly.
The EMT recognizes that dementia is typically observed as: - ANSWERa chronic and
irreversible condition.
, Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed by: - ANSWERautopsy.
You are preparing to transport an 86-year-old female complaining of altered mental
status and nausea and vomiting. Aspiration pneumonia would be best prevented by:
- ANSWERtransporting in a semi-Fowler's position.
An 85-year-old male with a history of heart attacks has called 911 for chest pain. He
states that the pain started 2 hours ago when he was sitting on his porch. When
asked, he states that it feels similar to his last heart attack, only this time he is also
dizzy. The primary assessment indicates no life threats and the Emergency Medical
Responder on scene reports the following vital signs pulse 92, respirations 18, blood
pressure 88/52, and SpO2 at 93% on room air. The patient has nitroglycerin, but has
not taken it yet (you have a standing order to administer nitroglycerin without calling
medical direction). After applying oxygen, you should - ANSWERperform the
secondary exam.
An 83-year-old male has fallen down five stairs to the floor below. He hit his head
and is complaining of a headache. When getting a history from this patient, what
question should you ask first? - ANSWER"What caused you to fall?"
To best communicate with a geriatric patient with diminished eyesight, the EMT
should: - ANSWERstand in front of the patient and talk normally
A patient with cataracts would most likely complain of: - ANSWERcloudy vision.
An 86-year-old male has experienced a seizure and is now lethargic and confused.
His family states that the patient has a history of seizures and was sleeping in bed
when the seizure was witnessed by his wife. He remains in bed with an intact airway,
adequate breathing, and a radial pulse that is rapid. You also note him to be
incontinent of urine. Appropriate care of this patient would include -
ANSWERconsidering oxygen and transport with him positioned on his left side.
You have been called by the caregiver of a 91-year-old female with dementia. The
patient is complaining of pain and deformity to her upper left arm. As you assess the
patient, you note various bruises to the patient's body, and become suspicious of
elder abuse. What action is most appropriate at this time? - ANSWERTreat the
patient for a possible broken arm.
Which of the following statements regarding traumatic injuries and the elderly is
true? - ANSWERInjuries are most commonly caused by falls.
The family of an 87-year-old female has called 911. She is confused and exhibiting
improper and out of character behavior. They inform you that she is a diabetic, but
takes pills and not insulin. They also state that he has been complaining of dizziness
and has been drinking water nonstop as well as urinating. Assessment reveals
adequate breathing, skin that is cool, and a radial pulse that is rapid and weak. Based
Answers With Rationale| Graded A+
An 81-year-old female called 911 when she suddenly lost vision in her right eye.
Based on this description, the EMT should be suspicious of: - ANSWERretinal
detachment.
You have been called for a 91-year-old female who fell. Since your assessment
reveals bruises to her body in various stages of healing and inconsistencies in
information provided by her family, you are suspicious of geriatric abuse. Your best
action would be to: - ANSWERquietly transport and inform the emergency
department physician.
The son of an 88-year-old patient states that he told his mother to double the dose
of her antibiotic so she would "get better faster." This represents a problem given
that the elderly have a(n): - ANSWERdecreased liver and kidney function.
You have been called for a conscious and alert 83-year-old male complaining of a
fever for three days. He has a history of peripheral vascular disease. When assessing
the patient's circulation, you have a difficult time feeling his radial pulse. Your next
action would be to: - ANSWERlocate the patient's carotid pulse.
A patient with advanced dementia cannot provide an accurate medical history. In
this situation, the EMT's best course of action would be to: - ANSWERask family
members about the patient's past medical history.
A new EMT asks you why the elderly are at a higher risk for developing pneumonia,
as compared to those of a younger age. You inform him that the elderly are more
susceptible to respiratory infections because of a(n): - ANSWERdecreased cough
reflex
You are caring for an elderly male who has fallen in his bedroom and has suspected
hip and cervical trauma. While positioning him on the backboard, you find a large
gap between the back of the head and the surface of the backboard. You should: -
ANSWERUse padding to fill the void
Ageism would occur when the EMT: - ANSWERdoes not attempt to assess combative
elderly patients with dementia.
In reviewing prehospital care reports, you note that over 75 percent of the patients
from a nursing home suffer from hypertension. As a knowledgeable EMT, you would
recognize that: - ANSWERhypertension is common among the elderly.
The EMT recognizes that dementia is typically observed as: - ANSWERa chronic and
irreversible condition.
, Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed by: - ANSWERautopsy.
You are preparing to transport an 86-year-old female complaining of altered mental
status and nausea and vomiting. Aspiration pneumonia would be best prevented by:
- ANSWERtransporting in a semi-Fowler's position.
An 85-year-old male with a history of heart attacks has called 911 for chest pain. He
states that the pain started 2 hours ago when he was sitting on his porch. When
asked, he states that it feels similar to his last heart attack, only this time he is also
dizzy. The primary assessment indicates no life threats and the Emergency Medical
Responder on scene reports the following vital signs pulse 92, respirations 18, blood
pressure 88/52, and SpO2 at 93% on room air. The patient has nitroglycerin, but has
not taken it yet (you have a standing order to administer nitroglycerin without calling
medical direction). After applying oxygen, you should - ANSWERperform the
secondary exam.
An 83-year-old male has fallen down five stairs to the floor below. He hit his head
and is complaining of a headache. When getting a history from this patient, what
question should you ask first? - ANSWER"What caused you to fall?"
To best communicate with a geriatric patient with diminished eyesight, the EMT
should: - ANSWERstand in front of the patient and talk normally
A patient with cataracts would most likely complain of: - ANSWERcloudy vision.
An 86-year-old male has experienced a seizure and is now lethargic and confused.
His family states that the patient has a history of seizures and was sleeping in bed
when the seizure was witnessed by his wife. He remains in bed with an intact airway,
adequate breathing, and a radial pulse that is rapid. You also note him to be
incontinent of urine. Appropriate care of this patient would include -
ANSWERconsidering oxygen and transport with him positioned on his left side.
You have been called by the caregiver of a 91-year-old female with dementia. The
patient is complaining of pain and deformity to her upper left arm. As you assess the
patient, you note various bruises to the patient's body, and become suspicious of
elder abuse. What action is most appropriate at this time? - ANSWERTreat the
patient for a possible broken arm.
Which of the following statements regarding traumatic injuries and the elderly is
true? - ANSWERInjuries are most commonly caused by falls.
The family of an 87-year-old female has called 911. She is confused and exhibiting
improper and out of character behavior. They inform you that she is a diabetic, but
takes pills and not insulin. They also state that he has been complaining of dizziness
and has been drinking water nonstop as well as urinating. Assessment reveals
adequate breathing, skin that is cool, and a radial pulse that is rapid and weak. Based