An 89-year-old female is short of breath and has a fever. Her SpO2 is low, and she has crackles and coarse breath sounds to both lungs. When getting the patient's history from her family caregivers, which statement would make you suspicious that the patient has aspirated something?

Here are some tips for EMTs to handle geriatric patients: Be patient: Geriatric patients often experience changes in their anatomy, physiology, and emotions. Be aware of these changes and be patient. Communicate: Speak slowly, clearly, and loudly, and use short, simple words and sentences. Sit face to face with the patient, and minimize visual and auditory distractions. Consider complications: Geriatric patients may have unique complications, such as: Less neck flexibility Rigidity of the chest Dental hardware, including dentures, bridges, and false teeth Absence of teeth Inability to... Show more

Here are some tips for EMTs to handle geriatric patients:
Be patient: Geriatric patients often experience changes in their anatomy, physiology, and emotions. Be aware of these changes and be patient.
Communicate: Speak slowly, clearly, and loudly, and use short, simple words and sentences. Sit face to face with the patient, and minimize visual and auditory distractions.

Consider complications: Geriatric patients may have unique complications, such as:
Less neck flexibility
Rigidity of the chest
Dental hardware, including dentures, bridges, and false teeth
Absence of teeth
Inability to swallow effectively
Dementia, which can impede communication

Take care of their life-threatening illness or injury: Manage these immediately, while remaining calm and professional.
Study commonly prescribed medications: Understand their side effects, and how drugs may interact.
Triage treatment: Focus on the most critical life threat first.
Explain your assessment findings: Let the patient know why it is in their best interest that they see a doctor.

Be mindful of your own assumptions and biases: It may be tempting to treat all older people as if they are of diminished capacity both mentally and physically. This kind of treatment can be perceived as being very disrespectful even if it is not intended in that way.

Note: Often, Geriatric patients can forget to take their meds or take the wrong dose. Therefore, along with asking patients about medications, it is also important to locate the prescription bottles, perform a pill count (if indicated) and bring the medications to the ED with the patient.
 

Related Test: Prehospital Emergency Care Practice Test: Basics of Pediatrics

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