Strategies to predict and manage the risk of post-operative delirium in the elderly surgical patient

As the U.S. population has aged over the past several decades, the number of older adults undergoing surgical procedures has significantly increased. Recent estimates suggest that more than 30% of all surgical procedures are performed on patients over the age of 65, and this percentage is likely to increase as specialty care focuses more attention on this growing population.1,2 This population presents with characteristics unique to aging and disease. The assessment of these patients' cognitive baselines and comorbidity profiles need to be addressed throughout the perioperative continuum.

Source: Geriatric Nursing - July 11, 2018 Category: Nursing Authors: Brett Morgan, Victoria Goode Source Type: research