During the physiologic portion of the perioperative assessment, which systems should be assessed more carefully in elderly and pediatric patients? Select all that apply.

The correct response identifies the cardiovascular system as an area of particular concern during the physiologic portion of the perioperative assessment in elderly and pediatric patients.

In elderly patients, the cardiovascular system often exhibits age-related changes such as decreased cardiac output, increased stiffness of blood vessels, and higher prevalence of conditions like hypertension and coronary artery disease. These factors can significantly impact their perioperative risk, making a thorough assessment critical in order to tailor anesthetic and surgical approaches appropriately.

In pediatric patients, the cardiovascular system presents unique challenges as their bodies are still developing. Their heart rates and blood pressures vary significantly with age, and conditions like congenital heart defects may also be present. This necessitates careful monitoring and assessment to accommodate their specific needs during surgery.

While the integumentary, renal, and respiratory systems are also important to assess in these populations, the cardiovascular system stands out as particularly critical due to the direct impact that cardiovascular function has on overall perioperative stability and outcomes. Assessing cardiovascular health is vital for both preventing complications and ensuring that patients are able to tolerate the stress of anesthesia and surgery.