The complicated elderly trauma patient: a case study analysis.

SB validated many aspects of elderly trauma research and physiology. Although he had a prolonged length of stay and several complications, he survived multiple injuries and had a positive outcome. Exact causes for his complications and processes cannot be separated into degenerative or injury-related and are thus difficult to identify. With a review of aging physiology and SB's history, it is clear that his course and physiological responses to treatments were affected by his age and ability to respond to the demands placed on him. (See Table 5 for pertinent nursing diagnoses for SB.) There are physiological, psychological and sociological differences in caring for young and old trauma patients. Nursing, by virtue of its constant surveillance of patients, is in a unique position to help meet the special needs of the elderly trauma patient.