Geriatrics, Transport Operations, and Special Rescue

A “silent” heart attack occurs when...

• Chest pain is not present

• Chest pain presents abnormally

• Sweating is the only symptom

• Sudden dysrhythmia causes death

Which of the following findings should alert the EMT to the possibility of a pulmonary embolism?

• A distended abdomen

• History of Deep Vein Thrombosis

• Frequent Urinary Tract Infections

• Patient has a history of COPD

As a person ages, the heart might enlarge as a result of...

• Decreased blood return to the heart

• Widespread vasodilation

• Chronically increased afterload (i.e. hypertension)

• Overall decrease in blood volume

During the natural process of aging, the number of functional cilia in the respiratory system decreases, resulting in...

• Air trapping in the alveoli

• Increased risk of COPD

• Baseline respiratory distress

• Decreased ability to cough

In contrast to younger patients, older patients are more prone to a decrease in blood pressure upon standing because...

• The body is less able to adapt B/P to rapid postural changes

• Overall increase in blood volume

• Red blood cells are destroyed at a faster rate

• Any change in position causes blood to be shunted to the brain

The slow progression of a decline in cognitive function, disorientation, and shortened attention span is known as...

• Delirium

• Dementia

• Delusion

• Altered Mental Status

A sudden onset of mental status change usually brought on by fever, metabolic changes, or mental illness is know as...

• Dementia

• Delirium

• Alzheimer's Disease

• Delusion

When an elderly patient presents you with multiple over-the-counter medications that he or she is taking, it is most important to...

• Ask them what they take each medication for

• Contact the physician on each medication

• The patient is at higher risk for medication interactions

• Look up all the medications before providing care

When explaining the need for a particular procedure to an elderly patient, you should...

• Be complex so the patient can understand

• Use appropriate medical terminology

• Realize that they will not be able to understand you

• Use plain language and simple terms

Which of the following patients is at highest risk for a pulmonary embolism?

• A patient who recently had surgery on their lower leg

• A patient recovering from pneumonia

• A patient with a history of hypertension

• A patient who takes a blood thinner