Geriatric Emergencies: A Comprehensive Guide for Emergency Medical Services Professionals

Question 1

Which of the following is a common geriatric emergency arising from an abrupt reduction in blood flow to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Stroke

Answer

Hypoglycemia

Answer

Myocardial infarction

Answer

Sepsis

Question 2

When evaluating an older adult with chest pain, what is a critical factor to consider?

Accepted Answer

Atypical presentation

Answer

Cardiac catheterization

Answer

ECG interpretation

Answer

Immediate administration of aspirin

Question 3

A characteristic symptom of delirium in older adults is:

Accepted Answer

Confusion and disorientation

Answer

Nausea and vomiting

Answer

Fever and chills

Answer

Dyspnea and tachypnea

Question 4

Which medication is commonly used to treat hyperkalemia in elderly patients?

Accepted Answer

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Atropine

Answer

Calcium gluconate

Question 5

In managing geriatric emergencies, which principle is essential?

Accepted Answer

Interdisciplinary team approach

Answer

Prioritizing comfort measures over curative treatment

Answer

Focusing solely on the presenting complaint

Answer

Aggressive intervention at all times

Question 6

Which factor increases the risk of pressure ulcers in older adults?

Accepted Answer

Immobility

Answer

Fever

Answer

Smoking

Answer

Alcohol consumption

Question 7

When evaluating an older adult for a suspected stroke, which tool should be included in the initial assessment?

Accepted Answer

NIH Stroke Scale

Answer

Glasgow Coma Scale

Answer

Montreal Cognitive Assessment

Answer

Mini-Mental State Examination

Question 8

Which principle is essential in managing delirium in geriatric patients?

Accepted Answer

Identify and address underlying causes

Answer

Use physical restraints

Answer

Ignore it as it will resolve on its own

Answer

Administer sedatives liberally

Question 9

What is the term for a sudden drop in blood pressure that occurs when an older adult stands up?

Accepted Answer

Orthostatic hypotension

Answer

Carotid sinus hypersensitivity

Answer

Vasovagal syncope

Answer

Hypertension

Question 10

What is the initial recommended treatment for hypothermia in geriatric patients?

Accepted Answer

Warm blankets and fluids

Answer

Oxygen therapy

Answer

Ice packs

Answer

External heating devices

Question 11

What is the central consideration when caring for a geriatric patient with multiple chronic conditions?

Accepted Answer

Individualized approach

Answer

Treat all conditions aggressively

Answer

Focus on the most severe condition

Question 12

Which of the following assessment findings is commonly observed in older adults experiencing delirium?

Accepted Answer

Fluctuating level of consciousness

Answer

Stable vital signs

Answer

Normal cognitive function

Answer

Clear speech

Question 13

Which medication class should be used with caution in older adults due to its potential for causing adverse effects on the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Antidepressants

Answer

Antibiotics

Answer

Cardiac medications

Question 14

What is the most common type of injury sustained by older adults as a result of a fall?

Accepted Answer

Hip fracture

Answer

Pelvic fracture

Answer

Wrist fracture

Answer

Head injury

Question 15

Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for managing agitation in a delirious older adult?

Accepted Answer

Environmental modifications and reassurance

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy

Answer

Intravenous sedation

Answer

Physical restraints

Question 16

What is the primary goal of fluid resuscitation in hypovolemic shock in older adults?

Accepted Answer

To restore intravascular volume and tissue perfusion

Answer

To correct electrolyte imbalances

Answer

To prevent renal failure

Question 17

Which of the following is a key risk factor for pressure ulcers in older adults?

Accepted Answer

Immobility and incontinence

Answer

Alcohol use

Answer

Smoking

Answer

High protein intake

Question 18

Which of the following is a common geriatric syndrome that has implications for emergency care?

Accepted Answer

Frailty

Answer

Osteoporosis

Answer

Arthritis

Answer

Sarcopenia

Question 19

What is the recommended approach to managing pain in older adults?

Accepted Answer

Start with non-opioid medications and gradually escalate if necessary

Answer

Avoid using opioids altogether

Answer

Administer narcotics as first-line therapy

Question 20

Which of the following is a common geriatric emergency related to falls and can cause significant morbidity and mortality?

Accepted Answer

Hip fracture

Answer

Stroke

Answer

Hypothermia

Answer

Syncope

Question 21

When assessing an older adult with chest discomfort, which of the following signs and symptoms should raise suspicion for an acute coronary syndrome (ACS)?

Accepted Answer

Sudden onset, prolonged pain radiating to the left arm or jaw, accompanied by shortness of breath or sweating

Answer

Chest pain relieved by rest or antacids

Answer

Gradually worsening chest pain with exertion

Question 22

Which of the following is a potentially serious medication interaction in older adults that can lead to delirium and cognitive impairment?

Accepted Answer

Anticholinergic medications (e.g., diphenhydramine, oxybutynin) and benzodiazepines

Answer

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen

Answer

Aspirin and warfarin

Answer

Insulin and metformin

Question 23

When providing suctioning to an older adult with respiratory distress, it is essential to follow specific guidelines to minimize risks. Which of the following suctioning techniques is recommended for geriatric patients?

Accepted Answer

Use a Yankauer suction catheter and limit suction application to 10 seconds or less

Answer

Suction only through the nose

Answer

Use a rigid suction catheter and suction for as long as needed

Question 24

Dehydration is a common problem in older adults and can lead to serious complications. Which of the following assessment findings is indicative of dehydration?

Accepted Answer

Dry mucous membranes, poor skin turgor, and decreased urine output

Answer

Confusion, agitation, and hallucinations

Answer

Flushed skin, rapid pulse, and increased respirations

Question 25

When administering oxygen to an older adult, it is important to consider their specific needs and potential risks. Which of the following oxygen administration guidelines is most appropriate for geriatric patients?

Accepted Answer

Start with a low flow rate (2-4 liters per minute) and gradually increase as needed, avoiding high flow rates that may cause discomfort or respiratory depression

Answer

Use the highest flow rate possible

Answer

Avoid using a nasal cannula

Answer

Administer oxygen through a non-rebreather mask only

Question 26

When transporting an older adult with a suspected stroke, it is crucial to handle them with care to avoid further injury. Which of the following positioning techniques should be used during transport?

Accepted Answer

Maintain a neutral spine, avoid excessive movement, and keep the head slightly elevated

Answer

Elevate the legs

Answer

Administer aspirin

Question 27

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in older adults, and some cases may be more severe than others. Which of the following symptoms is most suggestive of a complicated UTI?

Accepted Answer

Fever, chills, and flank pain

Answer

Dysuria and urgency

Answer

Increased urinary frequency

Answer

Cloudy urine and foul odor

Question 28

Hip fractures are a major concern in older adults due to their potential for serious complications. Which of the following actions is most important when caring for an older adult with a suspected hip fracture?

Accepted Answer

Immobilize the affected leg using a splint or traction device and avoid weight-bearing to prevent further injury

Answer

Apply ice to the affected area

Answer

Give pain medication immediately

Question 29

A 78-year-old patient arrives with abrupt confusion, slurred speech, and weakness on one side of their body. Which is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Stroke

Answer

Hypoglycemia

Answer

Dehydration

Answer

Seizure

Question 30

Which medication is most strongly associated with falls in the elderly?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Antihypertensives

Answer

Antihistamines

Answer

Antibiotics

Question 31

An elderly patient with a history of dementia is found wandering on the street. What is the most significant consideration during transport to the hospital?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring patient safety and preventing further wandering

Answer

Determining the cause of wandering

Answer

Assessing for signs of abuse

Question 32

You are caring for an elderly patient who has had a fall. Which is the least reliable indicator of a severe injury?

Accepted Answer

Presence of pain

Answer

Deformity

Answer

Difficulty breathing

Answer

Loss of consciousness

Question 33

Which factor is most likely to increase the risk of delirium in an elderly patient?

Accepted Answer

Multiple medications

Answer

Good nutrition

Answer

Strong social support

Answer

Regular exercise

Question 34

A 75-year-old patient presents with sudden onset of abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Acute pancreatitis

Answer

Gastroenteritis

Answer

Food poisoning

Answer

Constipation

Question 35

Which of the following is a common geriatric emergency?

Accepted Answer

Hypothermia

Answer

Anaphylaxis

Answer

Trauma

Answer

Stroke

Question 36

What is a key consideration when assessing an older adult in an emergency situation?

Accepted Answer

Multiple comorbidities

Answer

Advanced age

Answer

High blood pressure

Answer

Limited mobility

Question 37

Which of the following is a potential cause of delirium in geriatric patients?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration

Answer

Head injury

Answer

Cardiac arrest

Answer

Stroke

Question 38

When managing respiratory distress in an older adult, which of the following interventions should be prioritized?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen therapy

Answer

CPR

Answer

Ventilation

Answer

Intubation

Question 39

Which of the following is a potential complication of falls in older adults?

Accepted Answer

Hip fracture

Answer

Headache

Answer

Pneumonia

Answer

Asthma

Question 40

What is an important aspect of medication management in geriatric emergencies?

Accepted Answer

Reviewing all medications

Answer

Focusing on immediate effects

Answer

Ignoring patient history

Answer

Administering high doses

Question 41

Which of the following is a factor that can contribute to drug interactions in older adults?

Accepted Answer

Reduced liver and kidney function

Answer

Higher pain tolerance

Answer

Improved sleep patterns

Answer

Increased appetite

Question 42

What is a potential concern when using opioids in geriatric patients?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of respiratory depression

Answer

Enhanced pain relief

Answer

Improved mobility

Answer

Reduced cognitive function

Question 43

Which of the following is an important element of communication with older adults in emergency situations?

Accepted Answer

Using clear and concise language

Answer

Interrupting frequently

Answer

Speaking loudly and slowly

Answer

Avoiding eye contact

Question 44

What is a key consideration when planning for the transfer of a geriatric patient in an emergency situation?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring appropriate transport equipment

Answer

Ignoring family preferences

Answer

Rushing the transfer process

Answer

Focusing solely on medical needs