True or false? Although the mechanism of injury may be similar to those for the younger
population, data shows increased mortality with similar severity o... [Show More] f injury in older adults.
- True
In the elderly population, what is decreased physiological reserve? - aging is
characterized by impaired adaptive and homeostatic mechanisms that caused an
increased susceptibility to the stress of injury. Insults tolerated by the younger
population can lead to devastating results in elderly patients.
Pre-existing conditions that affect morbidity and mortality include: - cirrhosis,
coagulopathy, COPD, ischemic heart disease, DM
What is the most common mechanism of injury in the elderly? - Fall. Nonfatal falls are
common in women and fractures are common in women who fall. Falls are the most
common cause of TBI.
In the elderly population, what are risk factors for falls? - advanced age, physical
impairment, history of previous fall, medication use, dementia, unsteady gait, and visual,
cognitive impairment
Most of elderly traffic fatalities occur in the daytime and on weekends and typically
involve other vehicles. Why? - Older people drive on more familiar roads and at lower
speeds and tend to drive during the day. Older people have slower reaction time, a
larger blind spot, limited cervical mobility, decreased hearing, and cognitive impairment.
True or False? Mortality associated with small to moderate sized burns in older adults
remains high - True
Spilled hot liquids on the leg, which in younger patients may re-epithelialize due to an
adequate number of hair follicles, will result in a full thickness burn in older patients. -
this is true
Airway-patients may have dentures that may loosen or obstruct the airway. If dentures
are not obstructing the airway, leave them in place for what? - bag mask ventilation, as
it improves mask fitting.
When preforming rapid sequence intubation, the dose of benzos, barbiturates, and
other sedatives should be reduced to what percentage to minimize the risk of
cardiovascular depression? - 20-40%
Functional changes in cardiac system include declining function, decreased sensitivity
to catecholamines, atherosclerosis of coronary vessels, increased afterload, fixed heart
rate (beta blockers) - this results in lack of classic response to hypovolemia, risk for
cardiac ischemia, elevated BP at baseline, and increased risk of dysrythmias.
Functional changes in pulmonary system include decreased elastic recoil, reduced
residual capacity, decreased gas exchange and decreased cough reflex - thus they are [Show Less]
