Although generally thought to be reversible, some cognitive dysfunction may be permanent. Hypotension due to other conditions is rare during the early postoperative period. Blood pressure monitors must be inspected to be certain they are functioning properly. The elderly are prone to heart failure postoperatively, and treatment in this setting usually consists of diuretics and inotropic drugs. The most effective immediate treatment is calcium channel blockers.
Treatment includes warming IV and other fluids and using convection warming systems.
A warming pad then efficiently transfers heat to the extremity. Atelectasis is very common among frail elderly patients and predisposes them to pneumonia. In debilitated patients with chronic dehydration, thick copious sputum may develop in the lungs after even minimal hydration. For such patients, percussion and postural drainage must be performed frequently and aggressively. In the elderly, the ability to maintain homeostatic levels of fluids and electrolytes is reduced, and the margin between too little and too much fluid is relatively narrow.