• Kami M Hu and Robert M Brown.
• Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 110 South Paca Street, 6th Floor, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 110 South Paca Street, 6th Floor, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. Electronic address: khu@som.umaryland.edu.
• Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. 2021 May 1; 39 (2): 273-286.

AbstractIn 30 years, adults 65 and older will represent 20% of the US population, with increased medical comorbidities leading to higher rates of critical illness and mortality. Despite significant acute illness, presenting symptoms and vital sign abnormalities may be subtle. Resuscitative guidelines are a helpful starting point but appropriate diagnostics, bedside ultrasound, and frequent reassessments are needed to avoid procrustean care that may worsen outcomes. Baseline functional status is as important as underlying comorbid conditions when prognosticating, and the patient's personal wishes should be sought early and throughout care with clear communication regarding prospects for immediate survival and overall recovery.Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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