A 93-year-old patient has been functioning independently in the home but has suddenly become confused. A family member asks the nurse, "Does this mean Dad has Alzheimer's disease?" Which of the following is the most appropriate response?

a. "Your father will have to be monitored over time."
b. "It is very likely your father has Alzheimer's disease."
c. "Why do you think your father has dementia?"
d. "Confusion can be a sign of an infection in an older adult."


D
An older adult patient who suddenly becomes confused may have developed an infection, generally of the lungs and bladder, or may be dehydrated. Confusion that occurs in delirium, Alzheimer's disease, and other forms of dementia develops slowly and over time. Telling the family that the patient may have dementia and will have to be monitored over time shuts down communication. Telling the family that the acute confusion may be a sign of infection keeps communication open and offers information. Rather than a "why" question, the nurse could ask for more recent history on the patient, such as whether he has experienced a fall or head injury.

Nursing

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The elbow joint that allows for flexion and extension in one plane represents a type of _____ joint

Fill in the blank(s) with correct word

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A woman gave birth to a 7 pound, 6 ounce infant girl 1 hour ago. The birth was vaginal and the estimated blood loss was approximately 1500 ml. When assessing vital signs, the nurse would be concerned to see:

1. temperature 37.9° C, heart rate 120, respirations 20, blood pressure 90/50. 2. temperature 37.4° C, heart rate 88, respirations 36, blood pressure 126/68. 3. temperature 38.0° C, heart rate 80, respirations 16, blood pressure 110/80. 4. temperature 36.8° C, heart rate 60, respirations 18, blood pressure 140/90.

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A nurse has just finished assessing a patient's spine and neck muscles. How would the nurse document normal findings?

A) C8 and T1 spinous processes prominent. Paravertebral, sternocleidomastoid, and trapezius muscles fully developed, symmetrical, and nontender B) All findings within normal limits C) Neck assessment WNL D) C7 and T1 spinous processes prominent. Paravertebral, sternocleidomastoid, and trapezius muscles fully developed, symmetrical, and nontender

Nursing

When a person has symptoms such as thick yellow discharge and dysuria, the medical officer may suspect that the person has:

a. syphilis. b. gonorrhoea. c. chlamydia. d. human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Nursing