Outdoor Emergency Care Chapter 31

You have been asked to deliver a talk about the geriatric population to the new OEC class. Which of the following points would you emphasize in your presentation?

• Assessment can be difficult because most individuals older than 70 suffer from dementia.

• Many elderly individuals have a combination of different diseases in various stages.

• Geriatric patients actually account for a small number of emergency medical calls and transports.

• Dementia is an inevitable part of aging.

A new OEC Technician asks you why the elderly are at higher risk for developing pneumonia than younger individuals. You inform him that the elderly are more susceptible to respiratory infections because of:

• impaired swallowing of saliva.

• decreased alveolar gas exchange.

• a reduced cough reflex.

• hardening of the major arteries.

The son of an 88-year-old patient states that he told his mother to increase the amount of an antibiotic she was taking so she would "feel better faster.” This represents a problem because the elderly have:

• decreased respiratory function.

• an increased risk for stroke.

• decreased liver and kidney function.

• an increased risk for cancer.

Which of the following statements shows that an OEC Technician has an accurate understanding of vital signs in relation to geriatric patients?

• "The typical resting heart rate in geriatric patients is less than 60 beats per minute."

• "Fever tends to be more common and more severe in elderly patients."

• "There is no difference between the vital signs of a geriatric patient and those of a young adult."

• “Respiratory capacity is greatly reduced in geriatric patients."

Some elderly patients have osteoporosis, a condition that results in:

• decreased bone density.

• decreased renal output.

• decreased insulin production.

• gall stone production.

An elderly woman has fallen down three steps and is complaining of back pain. After you perform a primary assessment, which of the following questions should you ask to illicit the next important piece of information?

• "Did you become dizzy before you fell?"

• "Why didn’t you use the ramp on the other side?"

• "Do you have a history of high blood pressure?"

• "Who is your family doctor?"

Family members tell you that three hours ago their 76-year-old mother suddenly became confused and had great difficulty speaking. However, within 15 minutes she returned to normal. Based on this description, an OEC Technician should be suspicious of:

• a stroke.

• dementia.

• Alzheimer's disease.

• a transient ischemic attack.

Which of the following statements about traumatic injuries in the elderly is true?

• Motor-vehicle collisions are responsible for over 75 percent of deaths.

• Head injuries are easier to detect in the elderly than in younger adults.

• Hyperthermia is an early sign of trauma.

• Injuries are most commonly caused by falls.

Which of the following statements concerning insulin pumps is false?

• They have an external on/off button.

• They are implanted in the patient’s chest.

• They supply insulin via a catheter.

• They are commonly found on a patient’s belt.

Which of the following strategies is best for OEC Technicians for communicating with a geriatric patient who has diminished eyesight?

• Write your questions in large print on paper.

• Increase both the pitch and the volume of your voice.

• Stand in front of the patient and talk calmly.

• Obtain needed information from family members.