Elderly Flashcards Preview

2018 VU Trauma > Elderly > Flashcards

Flashcards in Elderly Deck (6)
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1
Q

Why do elderly Pt have les physiological reserve?

A
  • Ageing
  • Co-morbidity
  • Drug therapies they may be undertaking
  • Reduced cardiac compensatory ability
  • Reduced pulmonary compliance
  • Reduced renal function
  • Reduced ability to respond to fluid loss or gain
2
Q

What are complications of the elderly?

A
  • Infections
  • Respiratory
  • Cardiac
  • Renal
3
Q

What is the number one cause of trauma in the elderly?

A
  • Falls

- Also have a high % of pedestrian trauma

4
Q

What are specific notes in regards to the head injured elderly patient?

A
  • If PT GCS<11 associated with very poor Pt outcomes.

- Ethical considerations – in regards to continued aggressive management.

5
Q

What are specific notes in regards to thoracic and abdominal injuries.

A
  • Greater suspicion should be held for rib fractures due to increased risk of osteoporosis
  • > supportive mechanism in thoracic trauma due to cardio-respiratory reserve
  • Will tolerate shock less well and will progress through the stages quicker.
6
Q

What specific injuries need to be considered in the elderly and frail?

A
-	Pelvis
o	Be aware of haemorrhage
o	Aggressive and early control
-	Spinal
o	More likely to occur from falls
o	Most common elderly C-spine C1-2
-	Fractures
o	Due to osteoporosis injury may not align with the mechanism
o	Neck of femur fractures
-	Penetrating
o	Most likely due to suicide or violence
-	Burns
o	Inability to tolerate rapid changes in fluid