Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test 2026 – All-in-One Resource to Ensure Exam Success!

The assessment and management of geriatric trauma patients can be especially challenging due to several interconnected factors that specifically affect older adults. The correct answer highlights these complexities: pre-existing medical conditions, medication effects, and changes in physiology.

As people age, they often accumulate a variety of chronic medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, which can complicate both the trauma assessment and the treatment options available. These conditions may alter the presentation of injuries or the effectiveness of standard interventions.

Medications are another significant factor; older adults frequently take multiple medications, leading to polypharmacy. The side effects and interactions of these medications can impact their physiological responses to trauma and the management strategies employed. For example, anticoagulants can increase bleeding risk, potentially complicating surgical interventions or fluid resuscitation.

Changes in physiology associated with aging must also be considered. Older adults may exhibit diminished physiological reserves, making them more susceptible to shock, infections, and complications. Their skin may be thinner, leading to a higher risk of pressure injuries, and their overall ability to compensate for injuries may be reduced.

In contrast, factors described in other choices, such as increased physical activity or a younger age, do not apply to geriatric trauma patients and would typically