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Caring for the Geriatric Surgical Patient: An Issue of Surgical Clinics

Ernest Cline

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Published in Caring For The Geriatric Surgical Patient An Issue Of Surgical Clinics (The Clinics: Surgery)

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The geriatric population is the fastest growing segment of the population in the United States. As a result, the number of geriatric surgical patients is increasing. These patients present unique challenges for healthcare professionals, as they are more likely to have multiple comorbidities, impaired organ function, and cognitive decline.

Caring for the Geriatric Surgical Patient, An Issue of Surgical Clinics (The Clinics: Surgery)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4771 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	393 pages

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the care of the geriatric surgical patient, covering topics such as preoperative assessment, perioperative management, and postoperative care. It is an essential resource for surgeons, geriatricians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who care for this growing patient population.

Preoperative Assessment

The preoperative assessment of the geriatric surgical patient is essential to identify potential risks and optimize outcomes. The assessment should include a thorough history and physical examination, as well as laboratory tests and imaging studies.

The history should focus on the patient's medical history, surgical history, and current symptoms. The physical examination should include a complete physical examination, with special attention to the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurological systems.

Laboratory tests should include a complete blood count, electrolytes, creatinine, and glucose. Imaging studies may include a chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram.

Perioperative Management

The perioperative management of the geriatric surgical patient requires a multidisciplinary approach. The team should include the surgeon, geriatrician, anesthesiologist, nurse, and other healthcare professionals.

The goal of perioperative management is to minimize the risk of complications and optimize outcomes. This can be achieved through careful planning, close monitoring, and prompt intervention.

Postoperative Care

The postoperative care of the geriatric surgical patient is also important to optimize outcomes. The patient should be monitored closely for complications, such as infection, bleeding, and thrombosis. The patient should also be provided with adequate pain control and rehabilitation.

The length of the hospital stay will vary depending on the patient's condition. However, most geriatric surgical patients will be discharged from the hospital within a few days.

Caring for the geriatric surgical patient is a complex and challenging task. However, by following the principles outlined in this book, healthcare professionals can help to optimize outcomes and improve the quality of life for these patients.

Caring for the Geriatric Surgical Patient, An Issue of Surgical Clinics (The Clinics: Surgery)

5 out of 5