The nurse is assessing the older adult client. As the nurse completes the nursing care plan for the client, which of the following places the client at risk for infection? Standard Text: Select all that apply

Question

1. The client has been voluntarily restricting fluid intake due to issues with incontinence.
2. The client's skin has become thinner and drier, and the client exhibits signs of pruritis.
3. The client has decreased sebum production.
4. The gastric emptying time is delayed.
5. The client has diminished calcium absorption.

Answer 1

1,2,3,4
Rationale 1: The client has been voluntarily restricting fluid intake due to issues with incontinence. The client who voluntarily restricts fluid intake may develop a urinary tract infection due to this practice.
Rationale 2: The client's skin has become thinner and drier, and the client exhibits signs of pruritis. The older client's skin is thinner, drier and the client's skin may feel itchy. When clients scratch their skin, they may break the skin and produce a portal of entry for pathogens.
Rationale 3: The client has decreased sebum production. Sebum is protective. It is produced by the sebaceous gland to oil the skin and protect the skin from pathogens.
Rationale 4: The gastric emptying time is delayed. Gastric emptying times are significantly slowed with aging, contributing to gastritis and peptic ulcers due to Helicobacter pylori infections.
Rationale 5: The client has diminished calcium absorption. The client's reduced calcium absorption contributes to osteoporosis, not necessarily an increased risk for infection. The client with osteoporosis has an increased risk of injuring the body after falling.