You expect that your geriatric patient is in early stages of shock, but his pulse is relatively normal. Why might this be?
◦ Geriatric patients will present with normal vital signs until half of their blood volume has been lost.
◦ His blood vessels are not as elastic as younger patients and cannot handle an increase in pulse.
◦ He may be taking a medication that is preventing tachycardia.
◦ His aged heart is not capable of beating to the point of being tachycardic.