Question

You suspect that a 75-year-old an has internal injuries after he fell and struck his ribs and abdomen on the corner of a table. When assessing and treating an injured patient of this age group, you must recall that:

Answer 1

When assessing and treating an injured elderly person, it is important to consider age-related changes in the body. This includes a higher incidence of heart diseases, respiratory syndromes, and type 2 diabetes. The elderly may have slower wound healing and a weaker immune system, making them more susceptible to infections. Injuries like hip fractures can be life-threatening due to various complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing and treating an injured 75-year-old man with internal injuries after a fall, it is important to consider the age-related changes in the body. The incidence of heart diseases, respiratory syndromes, and type 2 diabetes increase with age, making the elderly more susceptible to these conditions. Wound healing is slower in the elderly, and their immune system may be weaker, making them more prone to infections. Additionally, injuries such as a hip fracture can be life-threatening for elderly individuals due to complications like blood clots, respiratory failure, pneumonia, pressure sores, and urinary tract infections.