Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test

What is an important consideration when caring for an elderly trauma patient?

1. Older patients require less fluid than younger adults

2. Older patients are more resilient to injury

3. Older patients often have multiple comorbidities

4. Older patients do not need assessment for spinal injuries

The correct answer is: Older patients often have multiple comorbidities

Caring for an elderly trauma patient requires special attention to their unique health status, particularly the prevalence of multiple comorbidities. As individuals age, they often accumulate additional health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, or history of previous surgeries. These comorbidities can complicate the trauma care process, affecting their response to injury, recovery rates, and overall management strategies. In the context of trauma, this means that any injury – even seemingly minor ones – can have more significant implications for an elderly patient compared to younger individuals without such health concerns. Healthcare providers must take these factors into account when assessing the patient, as they may also influence vital signs, medication interactions, and the potential for prolonged healing. The presence of comorbidities emphasizes the need for thorough assessments and tailored treatment plans to address both the immediate trauma and the underlying health issues present in elderly patients.