Where are we headed? Facing the challenge of elderly trauma

1. The elder population, in comparison with younger populations, not only suffers different types of trauma injury, but also responds differently to their injuries. 2. Nursing care in the resuscitation phase includes careful assessment to evaluate physiologic trends and patterns of response. Ideally, this is done, along with treatment of injuries, within the first hour following trauma. 3. During the first 24 hours post-trauma, a hypermetabolic state occurs approximating twice the normal state. Within 24 to 96 hours postinjury, the body remains acutely catabolic and stressed, but hemodynamic stability is achievable. 4. While strict attention is given to the prevention of infection throughout the resuscitation phase, sepsis remains one of the most serious complications facing the trauma patient. Pain also cannot be dissociated from the acute to the recovery phase of the illness.