ATLS Chapter 11: Geriatric Trauma Exam Questions and Answers | Updated 2026 | Guaranteed Pass

ATLS Chapter 11: Geriatric Trauma Exam Questions and Answers | Updated 2026 | Guaranteed Pass Geriatric Trauma - answer-When managing geriatric patients with trauma, the effects of aging on physiological function and the impact of preexisting conditions and medications cannot be overemphasized Aging of the world's population - answer--Longer lives -Increased access to health care -Increased mobility= increased risk for injury Trauma is the 5th leading cause of death in the elderly population Injury Prevention Initiatives - answer-Removing hazards such as loose rugs Geriatric Trauma presents what unique challenges to trauma team? - answerWhat injuries would you suspect in the patient? - answer-The patient may have sustained traumatic brain injury and neck, rib, pelvis, long-bone, and/or spine fractures. What unique elements of the AMPLE history should you be alert to? - answerWhich of the following injuries are likely in an elderly patient who sustains a standing height fall? A) Rib and pelvic fractures B) Aortic intimal tear C) Grade II liver lac D) Urinary bladder rupture - answer-A) Rib and pelvic fracturesA geriatric trauma patient may be in shock despite vital signs that appear normal d/t: A) Higher cardiac stroke volume B) Compensating peripheral vascular resistance C) Cardiovascular disease D) Presence of sepsis - answerEffects of Aging and Impact of Preexisting Conditions - answer--Impaired adaptive and homeostatic mechanisms cause an increased susceptibility to the stress of injury -Preexisting conditions impact morbidity and mortality -Along with injury severity, age and sex also impact mortality Key conditions -Cirrhosis -Coagulopathy -COPD -Ischemic heart disease -DM Common mechanisms of injury in the elderly - answerMechanism of Injury: Falls - answerMechanism of Injury: MVCs What are the RFs for MVCs? - answerMechanism of Injury: Burns - answerMechanism of Injury: Penetrating Injuries - answerPrimary Survey with Resus in elderly injury - answerEffects of Aging and Implications for care: Cardiac - answerEffects of Aging and Implications for care: Pulmonary - answerEffects of Aging and Implications for care: Renal - answerEffects of Aging and Implications for care: Skin/Soft Tissue/MSK - answerEffects of Aging and Implications for care: Endocrine - answerAirway considerations in elderly trauma - answer--dentures can be loosened and obstruct the airway Physiologic changes with aging that affect Airway: - answer-1) Arthritic changes in jaw and cervical spine -Macroglossia -Decreased protective reflexes 2) Use approppriately sized laryngoscope and tubes -Place gauze at the site of air leak or inside mouth to achieve seal when using bag-mask ventilation in edentulous patients -Ensure a proper dosing of rapid sequence intubation meds Breathing consideration in elderly trauma - answerPhysiologic changes with aging that affect BReathing: - answer-`Management considerations with aging that affect breathing - answerCirculation Considerations in Elderly trauma - answerPhysiological Changes with Aging effect on Circulation - answerManagement consideration with circulation due to Aging effects - answerPitfall: Failure to recognize shock Possible solutions? - answerD- Disability Considerations in Elderly Trauma - answer--older adults at high risk for intracranial hemorrhage -Cerebral atrophy allows for normal presentation in the initial moment of trauma Physiological Changes due to Aging that effect Disability/Neuro Exam - answerManagement Consideration due to Aging that effect Disability/Neuro exam - answerE- Exposure and Environment Considerations in Elderly Trauma - answer-Prone to hypothermia Physiological Changes due to Aging that effect Exposure and Environment Assessment - answerManagement Consideration due to Aging that effect Exposure and Environment Assessment - answerWhat pitfalls might you encounter when attempting to intubate the patient? - answer- - answerA geriatric trauma patient falls from her wheelchair at a nursing home. She presents with a GCS score of 13. The patient is most likely suffering from: A) Dementia B) Alcohol consumption C) Traumatic brain injury D) Medication overdose - answerAn important immediate treatment of intracranial hemorrhage in elderly patients is: A) Blood transfusion B) Obtain an MRI C) Intracranial Pressure Monitoring D) Correct all sources of coagulopathy - answer-