The difficulties encountered in assessing both young children and older adults

Discuss the difficulties encountered in assessing both young children and older adults. Remember that these age groups have different emotional and cognitive developments or impairments.
The emergency department nurse is assessing a 38-year-old man who was in a motor vehicle accident. The patient was an unrestrained driver of the vehicle. The vehicle was traveling approximately 42 miles per hour. Upon impact, the driver collided with the windshield and sustained a head injury. The patient is now stable, complaining of pain 9/10 in the head, neck, and shoulder region. Neurologic status: cranial nerves 2-12 intact; patient is awake, alert, and oriented; computed tomography scan was negative for hematoma or hemorrhage. Vital signs: T 97.5, P 68, R 16, BP 130/70. The patient is asking the nurse for pain medication; however, the nurse smells alcohol on the patient’s breath. Toxicology reports are pending.
Based on the information presented, what subjective data will assist the nurse in making a decision to treat this patient’s pain?
The laboratory findings showed evidence of chronic alcohol abuse. What risk factors are associated with this patient’s alcohol use?
What interventions should the nurse incorporate into the plan of care for this patient?
Discuss “red flags” of abuse and neglect that may be found during an assessment.
Discuss Standard Precautions and infection control methods for the protection of both the patient and the examiner.

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