A 92-year-old client is brought to the emergency department with complaints of fever, nausea, and vomiting for the past 2 days. The client denies thirst, and urine specific gravity is below normal values
The nurse would interpret this finding to be consistent with which of the following? 1. Fluid overload
2. Normal changes of aging
3. Dehydration
4. Congestive heart failure
3. Dehydration.
Rationale:
The elderly are less able to concentrate their urine, making them susceptible to dehydration. In addition, there is a deficit of the thirst response. However, fever, nausea, and vomiting resulting from these changes are not considered normal. The client's symptoms of nausea and vomiting suggest decreased intake and increased output through vomiting, placing the client at risk for dehydration. Congestive heart failure and fluid overload would present with respiratory difficulty and peripheral edema.
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