Challenges in the Management of Geriatric Trauma: A Case Report. Issue 4 (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gaebel, Ashley; Keiser, Megan
• Is Part Of: Journal of trauma nursing. Volume 24:Issue 4(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: Dementia -- Frailty score -- Geriatric trauma -- Head trauma -- Traumatic brain injury; Emergency nursing -- Periodicals; Emergencies -- Nursing -- Periodicals; Soins infirmiers en situation d'urgence -- Périodiques; Lésions et blessures -- Périodiques; Emergencies -- nursing -- Periodicals; Wounds and Injuries -- nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Periodicals; Traumatology -- Periodicals; Societies, Nursing -- Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1097/JTN.0000000000000299
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1078-7496

Abstract

Abstract : This article describes geriatric trauma and commonly associated difficulties emphasizing both the epidemiology and assessment of geriatric trauma. There is little data guiding decisions for trauma patients 65 years or older, as there are many unique characteristics to the geriatric population, including comorbidities, medications, and the aging physiology. The geriatric population in the United States has been steadily climbing for the last 20 years and is projected to continue on this trend. Although each patient presents differently, there remains a need for the consistent utilization of standard guidelines to help dictate care for geriatric patients, particularly for patients not receiving care at a trauma center. This review uses a case study about an elderly woman with many comorbidities, followed by a comprehensive discussion of geriatric trauma and the challenges that result from a lack of guideline utilization to direct management.