After Transferring Care of a 77-Year-Old Female to the ED

Multiple Choice

After transferring care of a 77-year-old female to the ED nurse, the patient informs her that she has a history of heart problems and is having chest pain. On scene and throughout transport, the patient denied any complaint, despite your repeated inquiry. This has greatly upset your partner since he feels the patient made him look foolish in front of the emergency department staff. Based on your knowledge of her age group, what explanation would you give your partner?

A) "It is very common for patients in this age group not to tell you everything because most have some form of early dementia."
B) "In the older population, most do not trust young people with personal information, such as their medical history."
C) "This happens very frequently with people in this age group, so you must accept it and not get upset."
D) "Many times persons in this age group will not be forthcoming with all that is going on because they are scared of losing their independence."