Acute care geriatric patients often present with muted or vague signs and symptoms of the infection process. They are at risk for a delay in diagnosis and treatment of acute infections, sepsis, and severe sepsis.
Discuss the etiology of their less than dramatic presentations, including pathophysiologic changes of aging and the “masking” of normal compensatory indicators by pharmaceuticals (e.g., beta blockers, NSAIDs, prednisone, scheduled Tylenol-containing medications).
Provide an example of how you would provide family or significant others with education on the seriousness of sepsis in the elderly. Discuss how you would react to a family member’s request for an “alternative therapy.” Include discussion of how you would incorporate a Christian worldview into your practice as you approach a critically or terminally ill geriatric patient.
Support your summary and recommendations plan with a minimum of two APRN-approved scholarly resources.