A nurse cares for older clients who have traumatic brain injury. What should the nurse understand about this population? (Select all that apply.)
a. Admission can overwhelm the coping mechanisms for older clients.
b. Alcohol is typically involved in most traumatic brain injuries for this age group.
c. These clients are more susceptible to systemic and wound infections.
d. Other medical conditions can complicate treatment for these clients.
e. Very few traumatic brain injuries occur in this age group.
ANS: A, C, D
Older clients often tolerate stress poorly, which includes being admitted to a hospital that is unfamiliar and noisy. Because of decreased protective mechanisms, they are more susceptible to both local and systemic infections. Other medical conditions can complicate their treatment and recovery. Alcohol is typically not related to traumatic brain injury in this population; such injury is most often from falls and motor vehicle crashes. The 65- to 76-year-old age group has the second highest rate of brain injuries compared to other age groups.
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