The nurse works in an emergency department in a town with a large proportion of retired persons. The nurse should consider which difference between older and younger adults as it pertains to emergency care?

1. Younger patients are at greater risk for rib fractures and flail chest because their chests are not as compliant as those of older adults.
2. Older patients have a greater capacity to increase their cardiac output on demand, and therefore can tolerate greater blood loss than younger patients.
3. Older patients have an increased incidence of subdural hematomas because their veins are more fragile and less elastic compared to those of younger patients.
4. The aorta is comparatively closer to the surface in younger adults, so they are at greater risk of tearing injuries.


3
Rationale 1: The thorax of the older patient is less compliant and therefore more susceptible to injury.
Rationale 2: Older patients are less able to increase cardiac output on demand due to decreased compliance and a limited degree of compensatory ability.
Rationale 3: Older patients have an increased incidence of subdural hematoma because of the increased dural vein fragility and loss of elasticity with age.
Rationale 4: The aorta of the elderly patient is inelastic and more vulnerable to injury.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

Which of the following is an important intervention for a patient taking nortriptyline?

A. Make sure that CBC is ordered to monitor blood counts. B. Monitor for anticholinergic side effects. C. Ensure that the patient's diet is gluten free. D. Push fluids to prevent dehydration.

Nursing

Patient verbalization of microvascular precautions is a criterion for measuring the achievement of which nursing goal?

1. Adequate circulation in the replanted limb 2. Pain relief 3. Patient knowledge of therapeutic measures 4. Adjustment to change in appearance and function

Nursing

Jaycee has been on escitalopram (Lexapro) for a year and is willing to try tapering off of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. What is the initial dosage adjustment when starting a taper off antidepressants?

1. Change dose to every other day dosing for a week 2. Reduce dose by 50% for 3 to 4 days 3. Reduce dose by 50% every other day 4. Escitalopram (Lexapro) can be stopped abruptly due to its long half-life

Nursing

What common dietary supplement is recommended to help improve bone strength?

a. Vitamin C b. Iron c. Glucosamine d. Calcium

Nursing