This article presents an overview of the complex needs of older patients presenting to the emergency department for care. Discussion points for hospital communities considering emergency services to accommodate the…
The older adult patient with syncope is one of the most challenging evaluations for the emergency physician. It requires clinical skill, patience, and knowledge of specific older adult issues. It…
Neurologic diseases are a major cause of death and disability in elderly patients. Due to the physiologic changes and increased comorbidities that occur as people age, neurologic diseases are more…
With an aging population, emergency department clinicians can expect an increase in geriatric patients presenting with abdominal pain. Compared with younger patients, this patient population is less likely to present…
This article discusses the evaluation and management of stable and unstable elderly patients with dyspnea. Several of the changes in the elderly that alter cardiopulmonary physiology are discussed. A review…
Geriatric patients are at increased risk for serious morbidity and mortality from life-threatening causes of chest pain. This article covers 5 life-threatening causes of chest pain in the elderly: acute…
Waning immunity and declining anatomic and physiologic defenses render the elder vulnerable to a wide range of infectious diseases. Clinical presentations are often atypical and muted, favoring global changes in…
Within the next 15 years, 1 in 5 Americans will be over age 65. $34 billion will be spent yearly on trauma care of this age group. This section covers…
The aging population of the United States creates pharmaceutical challenges for the practicing emergency physician. Polypharmacy, drug-drug and drug-disease interactions, and other pharmaceutical complications from the pathophysiologic changes associated with…
The geriatric population makes up a large portion of the emergency patient population. Geriatric patients have less reserve and more comorbid diseases. They are frequently on multiple medications and are…
