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[The Physical Examination of an 'Uncooperative' Elderly Patient]
Mathias Schlögl1,2, Simeon Schietzel1,2, Roland Kunz3
11 Klinik für Geriatrie, Universitätsspital Zürich.
Abstract:
The Physical Examination of an 'Uncooperative' Elderly Patient Abstract. The physical examination of uncooperative elderly patients regularly presents physicians in the private practice, in the hospital or nursing home with great challenges. The lack of cooperation itself can be an important indication of an underlying medical problem. Important elements to improve the patient's cooperation include ensuring basic needs, sufficient time and patience, adequate communication and good cooperation with relatives and other healthcare professionals. Targeted clinical observation as well as thinking in geriatric syndromes and unmet needs can help to raise physical findings despite limited cooperation. Pathological findings are indicators of impaired organ and functional systems and must be supplemented by a detailed examination.
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