Physiologic Changes
Results from loss of collagen/elastin.
What are skin tears/skin infections
Stove is on but no food is cooking and/or poor patient hygiene may indicate...
What is inability to care for self.
The only situation in which providers can withhold resuscitative efforts.
What is a present and properly documented DNR or Advanced Directive.
May present without traditional pain but with dyspnea, epigastric or abdominal pain, loss of bladder and bowel control, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness.
What is myocardial infarction.
The AD in which you may perform supportive measures but not cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
What is a DNR
Can result from prolonged use of diuretics.
What is dehydration
What is electrolyte imbalance
Empty alcohol and pill bottles may indicate...
What is drug and alcohol abuse.
Should be removed if present while evaluating the airway.
What are loosely fitting dentures.
May be the result of a blockage or a hemorrhage.
What is a stroke.
An AD in which a third party can make medical decisions for a patient.
What is a health care power of attorney
Can result in falls and accidents.
What is hearing loss, reduced eyesight, or slowed reflexes.
A weekly pill dispenser with skipped days or an unorganized box of medications may increase risk of...
What is accidental overdose.
Should be considered when placing a geriatric patient in C-spine precautions.
What is limited cervical spine mobility.
What are spinal curvatures as a result of aging.
May present with either pulmonary or pedal edema, difficulty breathing, and an enlarged liver.
What is congestive heart failure.
While on scene in order to withhold CPR, these must be in place for DNR validity.
What are signatures of the patient/legal surrogate, signatures of one or more physician, and a physical copy of the DNR.
Can result from decreased sweating and skin changes.
What is inability to develop a fever when sick.
Excessive friction between patient and caregiver, bruises on the patient, and poor hygiene despite a caregiver may indicate...
What is elder abuse
Should be considered when performing chest compressions.
What is proper hand placement to avoid unnecessary fracture of frail ribs.
One of the most common causes of death in Americans older than 65 and can present with inflammation and life-threatening hypoxia.
What is pneumonia.
List several supportive measures that may be performed if a valid DNR is present.
What are basic airway, oxygen, pain relief, or circulatory support.
Can result from loss of arterial elasticity or a lifetime of atherosclerosis.
What is congestive heart failure.
What are acute coronary syndromes.
What are heart dysrhythmias.
Term used to describe multiple medications without evidence of adequate knowledge for proper use or supervision of use.
What is polypharmacy.
Disease common in the elderly that could lead to altered mental status and/or cardiac arrest.
What is diabetes.
The result of gradual weakening of vessel walls that can result in sudden death.
What is an aneurysm.
The best course of action if you are in doubt or no written orders are present.
What is resuscitate the patient until you contact medical control who can decide how to proceed.