Nursing Considerations in Management of Geriatric Patients

Developments in surgical techniques and sophisticated monitoring are factors that have contributed to the increased number of older adults undergoing surgery. These developments have minimized, but not eliminated the risks, as many older adults have multiple comorbid conditions, in addition to limited functional reserve, which may affect recovery and lead to incapacity and death. A postoperative complication is much more serious and may lead to other complications, and failure of one bodily system is more likely to lead to failure of other systems. Diseases associated with older age can cause bodily systems to deteriorate over time. The older adult is vulnerable and less tolerant of harm.