ATLS Module 11 - Geriatric Trauma
a geriatric trauma pt may be in shock despite vital signs that appear normal due to: -
ANS-cardiovascular dz
*preexisting cardio dz hx may include HTN, so BP in normal range is actually low for these
patients... also, pts may be taking beta blockers which can block tachycardia expected with
shock
\how does aging affect breathing? - ANS--changes in compliance of lungs/chest wall
increase work of breathing
-aging suppresses heart rate response to hypoxia... respiratory failure may present
insidiously
\how do elderly patients being edentulous affect airway ventilation? - ANS-makes intubating
easier but bag-mask ventilation more difficult
\in elderly patients with TBIs, some patients may be on anticoagulant therapy... Therefore,
aggressive and early reversal may improve outcome... What may this be accomplished by? -
ANS--prothrombin complex concentrate
-plasma
-vitamin K
\the elderly trauma pt with evidence of circulatory failure should be assumed to be
bleeding...what type of advanced monitoring should be considered to guide optimal
resuscitation, given the potential for preexisting cardiovascular disease? - ANS-central
venous pressure
echocardiography
ultrasound
red text
\what are risk factors for falls? - ANS--advanced age
-physical impairments
-history of a previous falls
-medication use
-dementia
-unsteady gait
-visual, cognitive, neurological impairments
*environmental factors: loose rugs, poor lighting, slippery/uneven surfaces
\what are the 5 preexisting conditions that impact the outcomes in trauma patients? -
ANS--cirrhosis
-coagulopathy
-COPD
-ischemic heart disease
-diabetes mellitus
\what are the 6 categories of elder maltreatment? - ANS-1. physical
2. sexual
3. neglect
4. psychological
a geriatric trauma pt may be in shock despite vital signs that appear normal due to: -
ANS-cardiovascular dz
*preexisting cardio dz hx may include HTN, so BP in normal range is actually low for these
patients... also, pts may be taking beta blockers which can block tachycardia expected with
shock
\how does aging affect breathing? - ANS--changes in compliance of lungs/chest wall
increase work of breathing
-aging suppresses heart rate response to hypoxia... respiratory failure may present
insidiously
\how do elderly patients being edentulous affect airway ventilation? - ANS-makes intubating
easier but bag-mask ventilation more difficult
\in elderly patients with TBIs, some patients may be on anticoagulant therapy... Therefore,
aggressive and early reversal may improve outcome... What may this be accomplished by? -
ANS--prothrombin complex concentrate
-plasma
-vitamin K
\the elderly trauma pt with evidence of circulatory failure should be assumed to be
bleeding...what type of advanced monitoring should be considered to guide optimal
resuscitation, given the potential for preexisting cardiovascular disease? - ANS-central
venous pressure
echocardiography
ultrasound
red text
\what are risk factors for falls? - ANS--advanced age
-physical impairments
-history of a previous falls
-medication use
-dementia
-unsteady gait
-visual, cognitive, neurological impairments
*environmental factors: loose rugs, poor lighting, slippery/uneven surfaces
\what are the 5 preexisting conditions that impact the outcomes in trauma patients? -
ANS--cirrhosis
-coagulopathy
-COPD
-ischemic heart disease
-diabetes mellitus
\what are the 6 categories of elder maltreatment? - ANS-1. physical
2. sexual
3. neglect
4. psychological
