title: The elderly patient in the post anesthesia care unit.
abstract: This article discusses the implications of providing care to the elderly patient in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU). Using a systems approach, physiologic changes along with pharmacologic and pathophysiologic alterations associated with aging are identified. Anesthetic options are presented; and postoperative priorities and nursing implications for the elderly patient are also included.
authors.affiliation: University of New Mexico College of Nursing, Albuquerque.
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Saleh
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D000758:Anesthesia / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D005260:Female; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016528:Postanesthesia Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing