You are the nurse caring for a 77-year-old male who fell off his roof. You note that the patient's labs indicate minimally elevated serum creatinine levels. What can this indicate in older adults?
A) Substantially reduced renal function
B) Reduced respiratory function
C) Increased cardiac function
D) Alterations in ratio of body fluids to muscle mass
Ans: A
Feedback: Normal physiologic changes of aging, including reduced cardiac, renal, and respiratory function and reserve and alterations in the ratio of body fluids to muscle mass, may alter the responses of elderly people to fluid and electrolyte changes and acid–base disturbances. Renal function declines with age, as do muscle mass and daily exogenous creatinine production. Therefore, high-normal and minimally elevated serum creatinine values may indicate substantially reduced renal function in older adults.
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The perioperative nurse has admitted a patient who has just underwent a tonsillectomy. The nurse's postoperative assessment should prioritize which of the following potential complications of this surgery?
A) Difficulty ambulating B) Hemorrhage C) Infrequent swallowing D) Bradycardia
The nurse is caring for an 80-year-old client preparing for surgery. The nurse knows this client is at increased risk because:
A) The older adult has increased kidney function. B) The older adult will turn, cough, and deep-breathe more effectively. C) The older adult has an increase in sensory function. D) The physiological deficits of aging increase the surgical risk for older adults.
The nurse prepares PCA for a postoperative client in the postanesthesia recovery unit (PACU). To rule out contraindications to therapy, which should the nurse assess before the client receives PCA? (Select all that apply.)
1. Consider client cognitive level. 2. Evaluate client communication. 3. Confirm two separate IV infusions. 4. Determine client physical ability. 5. Assess for history of constipation. 6. Verify client medication allergies.
A geriatric nurse practitioner is completing a health history for a newly admitted resident of a long-term care facility. Which of the following questions will elicit information about the patient's spirituality?
A) "Tell me what church you went to when you were a child." B) "Do you believe God will make you independent again?" C) "Why is it that you do not go to church on Sundays?" D) "Are you angry at God for allowing you to be here?"