Problems and Lessons in Geriatric Trauma - Essay Example

Running Head: PROBLEMS AND LESSONS IN GERIATRIC TRAUMA
Response Essay to Geriatric Trauma: Top 10 Lessons from Older Patients
The article is titled “Geriatric Trauma: Top 10 Lessons from Older Patients” which was published this November in Nursing Center. According to the writers, the elderly are more prone to accidents or trauma since their bodies and mind may be affected by many physical, mental, or psychological factors. Caring for the elderly poses significant challenges because even moderately severe injuries can slow down the recovery of elderly patients. On top of caring for the basic needs of the elderly, extra considerations must be made toward the physical and mental condition of this group. People in charge of caring for the elderly who suffered trauma would encounter challenges mentioned in the article such as chronic illness, real physical and mental capacity, pre-existing conditions, and the use of technology in caring for such patients. Indeed, caring for elderly trauma is a nursing challenge that demands more skills in the proper assessment and management of such patients.
There are four nursing care challenges presented in the article followed by six suggestions that could equip a nurse with some skills that could help in facing such challenges. First, the article emphasizes that, unlike ordinary patients, the elderly cannot be read like a book since they have pre-existing conditions such as hypertension or diabetes which can complicate matters when given medication that would supposedly address the trauma. Additionally, Radar and Fallon (2010) claim that the age of the elderly is not really a good indicator of the patient’s well-being due to individual differences in aging. People often misjudge the appearance of an


Running Head: PROBLEMS AND LESSONS IN GERIATRIC TRAUMA
elderly and think that the patient is already in the process of recovery when actually the patient may still be in pain. Another issue presented that complicates the recovery of elderly trauma patients is the use of technology instead of basic nursing assessments that involve the human touch (Radar and Fallon, 2010, p.2)
The authors assert that certain methods would help elderly patients recover rather than equipment like pressure-relieving surfaces. In addition to this, Radar and Fallon believe that collaborating with other health professionals like “physical therapists and occupational therapists can lead to more efficient recovery “( p.3). After presenting the challenges, several suggestions are presented in the article which include communication with the patient regularly, finding out what the patient is afraid of, knowing the full history of the patient, and assisting the patient in recovery by setting goals. All the suggestions when taken seriously by the nurse would make a difference in managing and assessing elderly trauma patients.
The challenges presented by the article are valid since the writers have drawn from several studies as well as experience to justify their claim. Indeed, caring for elderly trauma patients requires complex nursing skills since patients can be mentally or physically unable to express their real condition. Drugs, certain chronic conditions, or mental disintegration can blur and pose a challenge to recovery. As for the technology issue, the assessment given by a nurse cannot be matched by equipment or instruments since the case, to begin with, is already complicated. The suggestions mentioned in the article are fresh, insightful, and very relevant to the current situation. The only thing I disagree with is exploring the fear of the elderly patient

Running Head: PROBLEMS AND LESSONS IN GERIATRIC TRAUMA
which can rather be unsettling psychologically. It would be better if the patient is encouraged to work towards concrete goals and look for positive reinforcements rather than negative ones.
Indeed, caring for the elderly especially those who have undergone trauma is a challenging task that nurses must learn to deal with. Proper assessment and management of the post-trauma elderly can help a nurse cope with the challenges presented on a daily basis. Read More