Chapter 15, The Older Trauma Patient Flashcards
What injuries are most associated with falls in the older adult?
Traumatic brain injury
Fractures, especially of the hip
Lacerations and contusions
What is the leading cause of injury leading to death in the older adult?
Falls
A person who falls and lays motionless for hours is at risk for what?
Rhabdomyolysis resulting from compression/injury of muscle tissue.
What is an important concept to consider when assessing the older adult?
Older adults may display atypical presentations of disease, infection, and trauma.
What considerations should be made regarding an older patient on a spine board?
Padding bony areas to prevent skin breakdown.
What may be a better position than the “neutral position” for elder patients when maintaining airway?
Chin-brow horizontal angle.
What is the older adult patient at risk for when placing an airway adjunct related to a thinner mucosa and possible anticoagulant therapy?
Swelling, bleeding, and hemorrhage
What considerations should be made with a patient wearing dentures?
Consider leaving them in place if they fit well.
May help ensure a tighter fitting mask during bag-mask ventilation.
What HR may indicate significant physiologic stress and increased risk of mortality in the older trauma patient?
HR > 90 BPM
What SBP is considered hypotension in adults older than 65 years old?
SBP < 110 mmHg
What following conditions should be ruled out when considering Disability in the older patient with changes in neurologic status?
Hypoglycemia
Hypoxia
Hyperthermia or hypothermia
Anxiety, disorientation, agitation, and confusion
Dementia or mental health issues
What is essential in caring for the older patient with fractured ribs?
Pain control to prevent atelectasis, pneumonia, etc.
What should be specifically assessed in the elderly population?
Elder Maltreatment
