When caring for an elderly patient who is intermittently confused, what is the nurse's primary concern regarding fluid and electrolytes?
1. Risk of dehydration
2. Risk of kidney damage
3. Risk of stroke
4. Risk of bleeding
1
Rationale 1: As an adult ages, the perception of thirst declines. In an older patient with an altered level of consciousness, there is an increased risk of dehydration and high serum osmolality.
Rationale 2: The risk of kidney damage is not specifically related to aging or fluid and electrolyte issues.
Rationale 3: The risk of stroke is not specifically related to aging or fluid and electrolyte issues.
Rationale 4: The risk of bleeding is not specifically related to aging or fluid and electrolyte issues.
You might also like to view...
Patients should be advised not to overuse laxatives, because the smooth muscle in the colon can lose its tone. What condition should the nurse warn the client can occur if this happens?
1. Chronic constipation 2. Chronic diarrhea 3. Chronic nausea 4. Frequent vomiting
The client is taking meperidine (Demerol) and experiencing pruritus. Which of the following medications would the nurse expect the physician to order?
1. Naloxone hydrochloride (Narcan) 2. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 3. Diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl) 4. Normal saline
Dense bands of connective tissue that connect bones to bones at the joints are called ________.
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).
The nurse is explaining a procedure to a 2-year-old child. The best approach to use is:
A. Showing the needles and bandages in advance B. Telling the client exactly what discomfort to expect C. Using dolls and stories to demonstrate what will be done D. Asking the child to draw pictures of what he/she thinks will happen