Describe the risk factors for infection in the older adult patient.

What will be an ideal response?


Answers will vary. Risk factors for infections in the older adult patient include:Thin, less elastic skin
Decreased sensitivity
Decreased saliva production
Less ability to perform oral hygiene
Decreased secretion of stomach acid
Decreased cough reflex
Decreased hormone production
Weakened muscular structures
Poor nutrition
Use of corticosteroids or cytotoxin drugs
Residency in a long-term care facility

Nursing

You might also like to view...

The nurse is caring for a patient who is an intravenous drug user. The nurse anticipates the need for assessment for which cardiac complication?

1. Cardiac tamponade 2. Myocardial infarction 3. Congestive heart failure 4. Infective endocarditis

Nursing

A nurse who advocates for consumer empowerment will seek to help psychiatric patients:

a. achieve a sense of self-responsibility. b. comply with provider-prescribed treatment programs. c. understand that their viewpoints are flawed by mental illness. d. use resources predominantly from the formal mental health system.

Nursing

A 79-year-old woman who is living independently in her home needs help with ADLs following a hip replacement. Home care is not an option because of the level of care she currently needs

Which of the following facilities would be the best option for care? A) Senior center B) Assisted living facility C) Rehabilitative care facility D) Subacute care facility

Nursing

The nurse identifies that the ordered dose for a medication is twice the amount generally administered. What action should the nurse take?

1. Administer the medication as it was ordered. 2. Check to see if previous shift nurses gave the medication. 3. Collaborate with the prescriber about the order. 4. Administer only the standard dose of the medication.

Nursing