trauma in the elderly 18-1 trauma in the elderly
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trauma in the elderly 18-2
OverviewOverviewOverviewOverview
Pathophysiology of aging Assessment of the elderly patient Management of the elderly patient
trauma in the elderly 18-3
Geriatric PopulationGeriatric PopulationGeriatric PopulationGeriatric Population Geriatric patients:
» Respond less favorably to trauma.» More likely to have a fatal outcome.» Being older than 55 is more consistently
associated with bad outcome.
trauma in the elderly 18-4
PathophysiologyPathophysiologyof Agingof AgingPathophysiologyPathophysiologyof Agingof Aging
Decreased sight and hearing» Problems communicating with the patient
Decreased Mobility» Mobility aids: Walkers, canes, wheelchairs
Tooth and gum disease common» Bridges and dentures may cause airway
obstruction.» Diseased teeth may be easily knocked loose
during intubation.
trauma in the elderly 18-5
Pathophysiology Pathophysiology of Agingof AgingPathophysiology Pathophysiology of Agingof Aging
Respiratory» Decreased vital capacity» COPD more common» Hypoxia more likely after chest
injury
trauma in the elderly 18-6
Pathophysiology of Pathophysiology of AgingAgingPathophysiology of Pathophysiology of AgingAging
Cardiovascular» Decreased circulation to vital organs» Decreased cardiac output
Poor reserve» Poor tolerance of
Hypovolemia Hypoxia
» Underlying cardiovascular disease
trauma in the elderly 18-7
Pathophysiology of Pathophysiology of AgingAgingPathophysiology of Pathophysiology of AgingAging
Renal» Often have decreased renal function» Kidneys may not tolerate hypoxia» May not be able to excrete a fluid
overload Increased risk of CHF
trauma in the elderly 18-8
Pathophysiology of Pathophysiology of AgingAgingPathophysiology of Pathophysiology of AgingAging
Neurological» Atrophy of brain increases chance
of subdural hematoma after trauma.» Decreased cerebral circulation.» Poor cerebral tolerance to hypoxia,
hypotension, or shock.» Poor balance and coordination
increase risk of injury.
trauma in the elderly 18-9
Pathophysiology of Pathophysiology of AgingAgingPathophysiology of Pathophysiology of AgingAging
Musculoskeletal» Osteoporosis
Increased risk of fracture with minimal trauma (hip, wrist, compression fractures of spine )
» Kyphosis of spine Difficulty packaging
on backboard Difficulty intubating
trauma in the elderly 18-10
Pathophysiology of Pathophysiology of AgingAgingPathophysiology of Pathophysiology of AgingAging
Thermoregulation» More susceptible to:
Hypothermia Heat illness
» When possible, document patient temperature.
trauma in the elderly 18-11
Pathophysiology of Pathophysiology of AgingAgingPathophysiology of Pathophysiology of AgingAging
General» Medications often interfere with
compensation for injury.» Elderly more prone to accidents due
to decreased sight, hearing, balance, and coordination.
» Elderly may have an acute medical problem (MI or Stroke) that causes accident or fall.
trauma in the elderly 18-12
Assessment of the Assessment of the ElderlyElderlyAssessment of the Assessment of the ElderlyElderly
» Does the patient live alone?» Does the patient appear to be able to care
for himself/herself?» What medications does the patient take?
» Signs of abuse or neglect?
trauma in the elderly 18-13
AssessmentAssessmentAssessmentAssessment Initial Assessment Rapid Trauma Survey or Focused Exam
» Check for dentures or bridges.» Be alert for signs of COPD.» Observe for hypoxia and hypoventilation.
Check blood glucose» Remember to check for Medical Alert tags.
trauma in the elderly 18-14
Critical InterventionsCritical InterventionsCritical InterventionsCritical Interventions Elderly patients have poor
compensatory mechanisms.» Treat hypoxia and shock early.» Be careful when IV fluids have been
prescribed . Can precipitate pulmonary edema.
» Keep the patient warm.
trauma in the elderly 18-15
Detailed ExamDetailed ExamDetailed ExamDetailed ExamHistory is extremely important. S - Elderly may not be aware of pain. A - Allergies. M - Bring medications if available. P - Past medical history very important. L - When was last meal? E - Events prior to the injury.
» Chest pain or syncope prior to an accident? » Be alert to medical problems.
trauma in the elderly 18-16
Patients with Altered Patients with Altered Mental StatusMental StatusPatients with Altered Patients with Altered Mental StatusMental Status
Ask about patient’s usual cognitive state.
Is this a change from usual state? Check blood glucose. Look for underlying causes of altered
cognitive state» Could patient have overdosed on his
medications?
trauma in the elderly 18-17
SummarySummarySummarySummary Elderly patients have:
» Different response to trauma» High risk of underlying disease» Decreased compensatory
mechanisms
Get a good history. Anticipate potential problems.