1. In the elderly patient, which of the following BEST explains the cause of syncope?
A.A cardiac rhythm disturbance
B.A sudden drop in blood sugar
C.A rapid drop in blood pressure
D.A decrease in cerebral blood flow


2. A condition that clouds the lens of the eye is called:
A.stigmatism
B.cataract
C.raccoon eyes
D.doll's eye


3. You are called to a neatly kept residence for an 80-year-old woman who lives by herself. She has sustained a full-thickness burn to her hand when she burned it on the stove. When you manage this patient, you must keep in mind that:
A.there is a high likelihood that this patient has been abused.
B.isolated full-thickness burns to the hand are not critical burns.
C.this patient should probably be placed in an assisted-living center.
D.slowing of reflexes leads to a delayed reaction to pain in the elderly.


4. Which of the following is the LEAST common cause of death in patients over the age of 65 years?
A.Myocardial infarction
B.Cerebrovascular accident
C.Diabetic-related problems
D.Overdose of medications


5. Your unit is called to a local nursing facility for a 91-year-old man with respiratory distress. Upon assessment, you note that the patient has a patent airway; respirations of 26 breaths/min and labored; and a weak, nonproductive cough. The nurse tells you that the patient has had a fever of 101.3°F for the past 6 hours. Based upon your findings, you suspect:
A.emphysema.
B.pneumonia.
C.bronchitis.
D.asthma.


6. An abnormal blood-filled dilation of the wall of a blood vessel, seen in the elderly, is called:
A.arteriosclerosis.
B.atherosclerosis.
C.aneurysm.
D.embolism.


7. You are assessing an elderly man whose daughter states, "He is not acting like he normally does." The MOST important initial question to ask the daughter would be:
A."Is there a chance that your father overdosed on medications?"
B."What was your father's normal mental status before this began?"
C."Why is your father not in a skilled nursing care facility?"
D."When was the last time your father went to the doctor?"


8. In obtaining a history from an elderly patient, it is best to:
A.ask general questions.
B.ask specific questions.
C.ask only yes-or-no questions.
D.allow the emergency department staff to ask any questions.


9. One of the most important things that you need to do when evaluating and caring for a patient is to:
A.care for all minor injuries.
B.determine what caused the injury or illness.
C.complete a detailed assessment before caring for the patient.
D.obtain a complete and accurate history.


10. When assessing an elderly patient, the EMT-Basic needs to be aware that elderly patients are more susceptible to:
A.hypoperfusion.
B.hypothermia.
C.hyperthermia.
D.hypertension.


11. A man goes to visit his mother who lives alone and finds her unconscious on the living room floor. As you approach the patient to begin your assessment, you must FIRST consider:
A.the status of her airway.
B.her past medical history.
C.the possibility of trauma.
D.the reaction of her son.


12. A condition that makes elderly patients more prone to fractures is called:
A.arthrosclerosis.
B.hypertension.
C.osteoporosis.
D.arteriosclerosis.


13. The leading cause of death in the elderly is associated with:
A.cardiovascular disease.
B.motor vehicle crashes.
C.gunshot wounds.
D.trauma.


14. A 68-year-old man with a past medical history significant for hypertension and vascular disease presents with an altered mental status. His blood pressure is 70/40 mm Hg; his heart rate is 120 beats/min and thready; and his respirations are shallow at a rate of 28 breaths/min. You note distention of the abdomen. Considering the patient's past medical history as well as his vital signs, you should suspect which of the following circumstances?
A.A cerebrovascular accident
B.Acute myocardial infarction
C.An infarction of the bowel
D.An aortic aneurysm


15. The two MOST common causes of traumatic death in the geriatric patient are:
A.falls and motor vehicle trauma.
B.motor vehicle trauma and elder abuse.
C.elder abuse and accidental falls.
D.burns and motor vehicle trauma.


16. The slow onset of progressive disorientation, shortened attention span, and loss of cognitive function is referred to as:
A.dementia.
B.delirium.
C.delusion.
D.disability.


17. A 74-year-old woman complains of generalized weakness and nausea. Her skin is cool and clammy and her heart rate is 56 beats/min and irregular. She has a past medical history of hypertension and diet-controlled diabetes. At present, she is conscious and alert. You should treat this patient for:
A.a cerebrovascular accident.
B.an acute myocardial infarction (MI).
C.a gastrointestinal infection.
D.acute hypoglycemia.


18. Inflicted bruises are commonly found in the following areas, EXCEPT:
A.buttocks.
B.lower back.
C.inner thighs.
D.forearms.


19. Which of the following patients would be at HIGHEST risk for elderly abuse?
A.A 62-year-old man with a history of two strokes, who cares for himself
B.A 79-year-old woman with dementia, whose daughter takes care of her
C.A 76-year-old woman, who lives alone and is chronically depressed
D.A 69-year-old male with multiple medical problems, who receives home healthcare



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