Nonspecific Complaints in Older Emergency Department Patients

Abstract

Nonspecific complaints such as generalized weakness and fatigue are common in older adults presenting to an emergency department. These complaints may be caused by acute or chronic medical problems, or they may be exacerbated or caused by socioeconomic risks factors. Acute causes may be related to serious medical conditions requiring prompt treatment. A thorough history and physical examination in conjunction with an interdisciplinary approach allows emergency departments to identify acute conditions as well as geriatric syndromes and unmet home needs, such as food insecurity and caregiver burden. A whole-health system approach should be used for safe transitions of care.

Keywords: Caregiver; Emergency medicine; Multidisciplinary; Nonspecific complaints.