Trauma Injuries in Geriatrics

Older adults have higher trauma risks due to physiological changes like reduced cardiac reserve and decreased respiratory function.
Impaired renal activity and ineffective vasoconstriction hinder recovery, compounded by stiffened blood vessels and fragile tissues.
Brittle, demineralized bones result in a higher vulnerability to fractures.
Inability to thermoregulate and limited tolerance to temperature extremes increase susceptibility to hypothermia.
Most trauma cases arise from falls or motor vehicle collisions (MVC), leading to anxiety, depression, and diminished confidence.
Older patients exhibit reduced stroke volume and respiratory function, alongside decreased chest wall compliance, increasing risk of cerebral bleeding after head trauma.
Hematomas in older individuals can go unnoticed due to delayed pressure symptoms.
Female geriatric patients are prone to osteoporosis reducing bone mass, raising the likelihood of spinal fractures.

Monitor hydration through vital signs, mucous membranes, and urine output.
Ensuring warmth is crucial to prevent hypothermia in geriatric patients.
During scene assessment, ensure safety and calculate resource needs.
In primary surveys, prioritize addressing immediate life threats and transport older trauma patients to trauma centers regardless of visible injuries.
Maintain dentures in unresponsive patients, and use modified jaw thrust for airway management, assessing respiratory status thoroughly.
Keep suction equipment available and continuously monitor patient warmth.
Gather patient history from bystanders or family, especially for medical alerts regarding falls.

Investigate the underlying cause of falls, such as balance loss or potential medical issues.
Vital signs may not change immediately; anticipate changes based on injuries.
Determine the duration a patient has been on the ground after a fall.
Conduct a secondary assessment focusing on life-threatening head injuries and check for other significant medical history indicators.

Elder abuse involves actions or inactions by caregivers failing to provide necessary care.
Prevalence is often hidden; victims may fear losing care or distrust authorities.
Physical and emotional signs of abuse can be subtle and overlooked.
Signs of physical abuse include bruises in unusual locations; inspect for consistent explanations of injuries.
Suspect abuse with incongruent explanations or evasive answers from both patients and caregivers.
Consider caregiver behaviors, such as apathy or defensiveness, which may indicate neglect.
Report elder abuse findings according to protocols, ensuring patient safety remains a priority.
In unstable situations, involve law enforcement and adult protective services as necessary.

Older adults face increased trauma risks due to physiological changes, including reduced cardiac reserve and diminished respiratory function.
Recovery is hindered by impaired renal activity, ineffective vasoconstriction, stiffened blood vessels, and fragile tissues.
Fragile, demineralized bones elevate fracture risk in the elderly.
Limited thermoregulation and low tolerance to temperature extremes heighten susceptibility to hypothermia.
Most trauma incidents in older adults occur from falls or motor vehicle collisions (MVC), potentially leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced confidence.
Diminished stroke volume and respiratory function, along with decreased chest wall compliance, increase the risk of cerebral bleeding following head trauma.
Hematomas in older populations may go unnoticed due to delayed onset of pressure symptoms.
Women in this demographic are more vulnerable to osteoporosis, resulting in decreased bone mass and an increased likelihood of spinal fractures.

Hydration should be continuously monitored using vital signs, examination of mucous membranes, and urine output.
Preventing hypothermia is critical by ensuring the patient remains warm.
Conduct a safety assessment of the scene and evaluate resource needs during initial evaluations.
Immediate life threats must be addressed in primary surveys, and transport older trauma patients to specialized trauma centers regardless of visible injuries.
For unresponsive patients, maintain dentures and utilize a modified jaw thrust technique for airway management, thoroughly monitoring respiratory status.
Ensure suction equipment is readily available and constantly check patient warmth.
Acquire patient history from bystanders or family members, especially details about past falls or medical alerts.

Identify underlying causes of falls, such as balance issues or medical problems.
Be aware that vital signs may not immediately reflect injuries; anticipate future changes.
Determine how long the patient remained on the ground post-fall to assess potential injuries.
Conduct a thorough secondary assessment focusing on critical head injuries and additional significant medical history.

Elder abuse includes actions or failures by caregivers to provide needed care or protect the elder's well-being.
The prevalence of abuse is often concealed, with victims fearing loss of care or mistrusting authorities.
Physical and emotional indicators of abuse can be subtle and easily overlooked.
Signs of physical abuse, such as bruising in atypical areas, should prompt further investigation into consistent injury explanations.
Suspicion should arise with inconsistent or evasive answers from patients or caregivers regarding injuries.
Caregiver behaviors exhibiting apathy or defensiveness can signal potential neglect.
Reporting findings related to elder abuse should follow established protocols, always prioritizing the patient's safety.
In volatile situations, it may be necessary to involve law enforcement and adult protective services.