The home health nurse is visiting an 84-year-old woman living at home and recovering from hip surgery. The nurse notes that the woman seems confused and has poor skin turgor
When asked about her fluid intake, the patient states, "I stop drinking water early in the day because it is just too difficult to get up during the night to go to the bathroom." What would be the nurse's best response?
A) "I will need to have your medications adjusted so you will need to be readmitted to the hospital for a complete workup."
B) "Limiting your fluids can create imbalances in your body that can result in confusion. Maybe we need to adjust the timing of you fluids."
C) "It is normal to be a little confused following surgery, and it's safe not to urinate a night."
D) "Confusion following surgery is common in the elderly due to a loss of sleep. "
Ans: B
Feedback: In elderly patients, the clinical manifestations of fluid and electrolyte disturbances may be subtle or atypical. For example, fluid deficit may cause confusion or cognitive impairment in the elderly person. Option A is incorrect; there is no mention of medications in the stem of the question or any specific evidence given for the need for readmission to the hospital. Options C and D are incorrect; confusion is never normal, common, or expected in the elderly.
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