First Aid for the Elderly: Essential Knowledge and Skills for Caregivers

Question 1

When providing first aid to elderly patients, which of these is a common challenge?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty communicating due to cognitive impairment

Accepted Answer

Multiple underlying medical conditions

Accepted Answer

Reduced physical mobility

Question 2

The initial step in providing first aid to an elderly person who has fallen is to:

Accepted Answer

Check for responsiveness and breathing

Answer

Move them to a seated position

Answer

Apply ice to any visible injuries

Answer

Call for emergency medical services

Question 3

In elderly patients, chest pain can be caused by:

Accepted Answer

Both (A) and (B)

Answer

Ischemic heart disease

Answer

Gastroesophageal reflux

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Question 4

When administering medications to elderly patients, it's essential to use caution with:

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Answer

Diuretics

Answer

Antidepressants

Answer

Blood thinners

Question 5

What is the recommended initial first aid action for a hypoglycemic elderly patient?

Accepted Answer

Administering glucose

Answer

Raising their feet

Answer

Performing CPR

Answer

Giving them a hot drink

Question 6

When providing first aid to a disoriented elderly person, a priority action is:

Accepted Answer

Ensuring their safety and comfort

Answer

Trying to determine the cause of disorientation immediately

Answer

Restraining them if necessary

Answer

Ignoring their confusion and treating other injuries first

Question 7

For an elderly individual experiencing respiratory distress, the appropriate positioning is:

Accepted Answer

Semi-Fowler's position

Answer

Sitting upright

Answer

Lying down flat

Answer

Trendelenburg position

Question 8

A key ethical consideration when providing first aid to the elderly is:

Accepted Answer

Respecting their autonomy and preferences

Answer

Overriding their wishes if necessary

Answer

Withholding information that may cause distress

Answer

Ignoring their cultural beliefs

Question 9

When assessing an elderly patient for dehydration, which of the following signs is most indicative?

Accepted Answer

Dry skin

Answer

Rapid breathing

Answer

High body temperature

Answer

Vomiting

Question 10

Which of the following communication strategies is appropriate when providing first aid to an elderly patient with dementia?

Accepted Answer

Speaking clearly and slowly

Answer

Using jargon and technical terms

Answer

Ignoring their questions

Answer

Being dismissive of their concerns

Question 11

In providing first aid to an elderly patient with a fractured bone, what is the most immediate priority?

Accepted Answer

Immobilizing the injured limb

Answer

Applying ice

Answer

Administering pain medication

Answer

Transporting to hospital

Question 12

When initially assessing an elderly patient suspected of cardiac arrest, which of the following should be included?

Accepted Answer

Respiration and pulse

Accepted Answer

Pupillary response

Accepted Answer

Skin color and temperature

Answer

Blood pressure and temperature

Question 13

Which of the following conditions is NOT commonly encountered in the elderly population?

Accepted Answer

Tuberculosis

Answer

Cardiovascular disease

Answer

Arthritis

Answer

Dementia

Question 14

Which technique is recommended for safely moving an elderly patient with a suspected spinal injury?

Accepted Answer

Log roll maneuver

Answer

Scoop and carry method

Answer

Lifting them by their arms and legs

Answer

Waiting for emergency medical assistance

Question 15

Which of the following physical changes associated with aging does NOT affect first aid procedures?

Accepted Answer

Increased bone density

Answer

Decreased skin elasticity

Answer

Reduced reaction time

Answer

Thinning of the epidermis

Question 16

When providing first aid to an elderly individual who has fallen, the primary concern is to:

Accepted Answer

Immobilize their neck to prevent further injury

Answer

Administer oxygen to improve respiration

Answer

Measure their blood pressure to assess their overall health

Answer

Check for broken bones

Question 17

The recommended first aid action for an elderly person suspected of having a stroke is to:

Accepted Answer

Call for emergency medical assistance immediately

Answer

Give them aspirin to thin their blood

Answer

Elevate their legs to improve circulation

Answer

Offer them water to help them swallow the stroke

Question 18

When assisting an elderly person to transfer from a bed to a chair, which technique is recommended for their safety?

Accepted Answer

Using a slide board

Answer

Lifting them directly from the bed

Answer

Asking them to stand up on their own

Answer

Dragging them across the bed

Question 19

What is the primary purpose of assessing the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) in elderly patients?

Accepted Answer

To determine their level of consciousness and neurological function

Answer

To decide on their treatment

Answer

To predict the cause of their injury

Question 20

Which of the following is a common psychological consideration when providing first aid to elderly individuals?

Accepted Answer

Increased susceptibility to depression and anxiety

Answer

Enhanced cognitive function

Answer

Increased physical strength

Question 21

What is the primary goal of providing first aid to the elderly?

Accepted Answer

To provide immediate and temporary care while awaiting medical assistance

Answer

To transport them directly to the hospital

Answer

To cure their underlying medical conditions

Question 22

When providing first aid to elderly patients, what is crucial for effective collaboration among healthcare professionals?

Accepted Answer

Shared decision-making involving the patient

Answer

Independent assessments by each healthcare professional

Answer

Prioritizing physical needs over psychological and social needs

Answer

Limiting communication channels among healthcare professionals

Question 23

Which of the following is a unique physiological change associated with aging that can affect first aid treatment?

Accepted Answer

Decreased body temperature

Answer

Increased heart rate

Answer

Improved skin elasticity

Question 24

When performing CPR on an elderly individual, it is essential to:

Accepted Answer

Use less force on the chest than with younger adults

Answer

Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) immediately

Answer

Apply more force on the chest than with younger adults

Question 25

Which of the following signs may indicate a stroke in an elderly individual?

Accepted Answer

Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body

Answer

Rapid heart rate

Answer

Elevated blood pressure

Question 26

Which of the following is a recommended approach for communicating with elderly individuals in a first aid situation?

Accepted Answer

Use clear, concise, and respectful language

Answer

Use technical medical jargon

Answer

Speak loudly and slowly as if they were children

Question 27

When providing first aid to an elderly individual experiencing a confusional state, it is important to:

Accepted Answer

Reassure and orient them to their surroundings, and seek medical attention

Answer

Ignore their confusion and proceed with treatment

Answer

Restraint them to prevent further confusion

Question 28

Which of the following is a potential complication of first aid treatment in the elderly?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of hypothermia

Answer

Reduced risk of falls

Answer

Enhanced cognitive function

Question 29

When an elderly individual refuses first aid treatment, what is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Respect their decision and provide them with information on where to seek professional help.

Answer

Call the authorities to override their refusal.

Answer

Ignore their refusal and proceed with treatment against their wishes.

Question 30

When providing first aid to an elderly individual who has fallen, what should be the primary focus of the assessment and treatment?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining airway and circulation.

Answer

Relieving pain.

Answer

Immobilizing the injured area immediately.

Answer

Assessing for potential fractures.

Question 31

Which of the following medications commonly used by elderly individuals may necessitate adjustments in first aid management?

Accepted Answer

Warfarin

Answer

Salbutamol

Answer

Ibuprofen

Answer

Paracetamol

Question 32

Which of the following communication approaches is recommended when providing first aid to an elderly individual with hearing loss?

Accepted Answer

Speak clearly and slowly, facing the person.

Answer

Shout loudly.

Answer

Use sign language without verbal communication.

Answer

Speak faster than usual.

Question 33

When performing CPR on an elderly individual, what modification should be made?

Accepted Answer

Reduce the depth of chest compressions.

Answer

Perform mouth-to-nose ventilation.

Answer

Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) without modification.

Answer

Increase the compression rate.

Question 34

Which of the following environmental factors poses a particular concern when providing first aid to elderly individuals outdoors?

Accepted Answer

Extreme temperatures

Answer

Air quality

Answer

Noise levels

Answer

Lighting conditions

Question 35

When providing first aid to an elderly individual experiencing a seizure, which of the following actions should be avoided?

Accepted Answer

Restraining the person.

Answer

Timing the duration of the seizure.

Answer

Protecting the person from injury.

Answer

Recovering the person into a stable position.

Question 36

Which of the following is a unique physiological change that must be considered when providing first aid to elderly individuals?

Accepted Answer

Decreased body temperature regulation

Answer

Faster wound healing

Answer

Stronger immune system

Answer

Increased heart rate

Question 37

Which of the following medications commonly prescribed for elderly individuals may significantly affect their response to first aid treatments due to its blood-thinning properties?

Accepted Answer

Anticoagulants

Answer

Antibiotics

Answer

Antihistamines

Answer

Antidepressants

Question 38

When providing first aid to an elderly individual, what communication strategy is most effective to reduce anxiety and ensure understanding?

Accepted Answer

Speak slowly, clearly, and in simple terms

Answer

Touch the person frequently to reassure them

Answer

Use technical medical jargon

Question 39

Which of the following is a sign of hypothermia specifically in an elderly individual?

Accepted Answer

Confusion and disorientation

Answer

Red, flushed skin

Answer

Sweating

Answer

Increased heart rate

Question 40

When encountering an elderly individual who has fallen, what is the first priority?

Accepted Answer

Assess the scene and the person's condition for any immediate dangers

Answer

Immediately move the person to a bed

Answer

Cover the person with a blanket

Answer

Call for emergency medical services

Question 41

Due to weaker bones, which type of fracture is more common in elderly individuals?

Accepted Answer

Stress fracture

Answer

Greenstick fracture

Answer

Compound fracture

Answer

Spiral fracture

Question 42

When administering oxygen to an elderly individual experiencing respiratory distress, what is a crucial consideration?

Accepted Answer

Start with a lower oxygen flow rate and gradually increase as needed

Answer

Give the oxygen continuously at a high rate

Answer

Use a nasal cannula at a high flow rate

Question 43

What is a common emotional response experienced by elderly individuals following a medical emergency?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety and fear

Answer

Euphoria and excitement

Answer

Anger and hostility