Changes to the elderly person's skeleton,such as the loss of bone mass,contribute to skeletal instability and make fractures of the hip,rib,distal radius,and vertebrae very common.Which interventions will the perioperative nurse provide in positioning older patients in the OR?

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The nurse takes extra care in positioning elderly patients in the OR,ensuring appropriate padding and joint protection.Actions include assessing pain and skeletal/range-of-motion limitations before anesthesia induction and positioning; assessing potential pressure areas before anesthesia induction and positioning; placing safety strap above the knees and preventing undue pressure on the popliteal space and heels; ensuring that arm boards are maintained at less than a 90-degree angle; providing adequate padding to protect potential pressure areas; maintaining body alignment within restrictions imposed by chronic pain and musculoskeletal age-related changes; using gentleness during positioning and turning; and keeping the head and neck in a comfortable position that limits hyperextension.

Changes to the Elderly Person's Skeleton,such as the Loss of Bone