A frail elderly client who has been a resident of a long-term care facility for 5 years has been admitted to the acute care setting. Which of the following symptoms would suggest to the nurse that a vitamin deficiency exists?
1. Frequent headaches behind the eyes
2. Confusion when awakened in the night
3. Muscle pain and weakness
4. Excessive thirst
3
Rationale: The frail elderly client who has been in a long-term care setting for many years is at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is synthesized during sun exposure or from adequate intake of fortified foods. The frail and elderly frequently do not have adequate food intake and do not spend much time outdoors. Signs of vitamin D deficiency are muscle pain and weakness, which may further compound the frailty. Headaches and thirst are not associated with vitamin deficiencies. The elderly who are not in a familiar setting may experience some confusion when awakened during the night, but it is not a sign of vitamin deficiency.
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