Perioperative care of the elderly surgical patient.

Elderly surgical patients undergo approximately 20% or more of all surgical procedures in acute care hospitals across the country. Elderly people also are more at risk for surgical intervention because of age-related system changes and comorbid conditions. In recent years, greater knowledge about aging and advanced surgical, anesthetic, and monitoring technology has made it possible for many elderly people to undergo surgery without significant mortality. This article is intended to increase the ability of perioperative nurses to anticipate, plan, and provide care for their elderly surgical patients.