Trauma in the Elderly Flashcards
1
Q
What are the respiratory differnce in the elderly?
A
Muscle weakness Chest wall rigidity Impaired central response to hypoxia Reduced alveolar gas exchange surface area Kyphosis
2
Q
What are the cardiovascular differences in the elderly?
A
CO = SV X HR SV = preload (total body water), afterload (TPR), contractility
Total body water declines with age Peripheral vasculature becomes rigid and non-compliant Myocardium replaced by fat and collagen Autonomic and baroreceptor dysfunction Atrial pacemaker atrophy
3
Q
What trauma risks increase with age?
A
FALLS
Head injury + poor outcomes from such
C-spine injuries + damage from methods of immobilisation (pressure sores from hard plastic collars)
Rib fractures >3 = +10% risk of mortality for every further fracture; secondary pneumonia + subsequent fatality
Unreliable abdominal examination for injuries - CT is first line investigation
Non-accidental injury - as with paeds, this is a vulnerable patient group
