Question

What two factors place elderly patients at risk for intracranial hemorrhage?

a) Decreased blood pressure and increased blood viscosity
b) Weakened blood vessels and anticoagulant medication
c) Thinning of the skull bones and reduced cerebral blood flow
d) Impaired autoregulation and age-related brain atrophy

Answer 1

Elderly patients are at risk for intracranial hemorrhage due to weakened blood vessels and the use of anticoagulant medications, which can lead to a hemorrhagic stroke.

Step-by-step explanation:

Two factors that place elderly patients at risk for intracranial hemorrhage are weakened blood vessels and the use of anticoagulant medication. As individuals age, their blood vessels may become more fragile and prone to rupture, potentially causing a hemorrhagic stroke, which is where bleeding into the brain occurs due to vessel damage. This accumulation of blood can create pressure against brain tissue, resulting in loss of function and compromised blood flow. Additionally, elderly patients often take anticoagulant medications for various health conditions, which can increase the risk of bleeding.