An 86-year-old client is admitted to the nursing unit diagnosed with pneumonia. Which of the following would the nurse expect to find when assessing this client? (Select all that apply.)

Question

1. Elevated temperature
2. Hemoptysis
3. Lethargy
4. Change in cognitive function
5. Respiration of 12

Answer 1

3. Lethargy
4. Change in cognitive function

Rationale:
The older client with pneumonia is most likely to present with atypical manifestations of an infection as a result of a weaker immune response. Frequently, caregivers or family members note that the client looks generally ill. The client is lethargic, less coherent, and has stopped eating and drinking. The classic sign of infection or fever may not be present. Hemoptysis or bloody sputum is more typical of pulmonary embolism or cough associated with lung cancer. Respiratory rate would be greater than 20.