An older adult patient in no acute distress reports being less able to taste and smell. What is the nurse's best response to this information?
a. Notify the physician immediately to rule out cranial nerve damage.
b. Perform testing on the vestibulocochlear nerve and a hearing test.
c. Schedule the patient for an appointment at a smell and taste disorders clinic.
d. Explain to the patient that diminished senses are normal findings.
ANS: D
Diminished taste and smell senses are common findings in older adults. Scheduling an appointment at a smell and taste disorders clinic, testing the vestibulocochlear nerve, or an attempt to rule out cranial nerve damage is unnecessary at this time per the information provided.
You might also like to view...
A patient has sepsis and is placed on broad-spectrum antibiotics. Her temperature is 37.8°C. Her BUN level is elevated. She continues on vasopressor therapy. What other steps should be taken to protect the patient from inadequate organ perfusion?
a. Increase net ultrafiltrate of fluid. b. Discontinue vasopressor support. c. Assess the patient for blood loss and hypotension. d. Notify the physician of access pressures.
A patient asks the nurse how prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin) will help improve heart failure. What is the nurse's best response?
a. "It dilates your arteries and decreases your blood pressure." b. "It directly perfuses your kidneys which decreases your fluid volume and blood pressure." c. "It increases your heart rate which will result in improved cardiac output." d. "It increases the force of heart contractions and slows down the heart rate to im-prove cardiac output."
The mechanism of action of the antidiarrheal atropine (Lomotil) is to
1. promote stool passage. 2. block dopamine receptors in the brain. 3. increase stool formation. 4. slow peristalsis.
What adjustments could be made to her plan of care to better control her pain?
What will be an ideal response?