An older client is hospitalized after an operation. When assessing the client for postoperative infection, the nurse places priority on which assessment?
a. Change in behavior
b. Daily white blood cell count
c. Presence of fever and chills
d. Tolerance of increasing activity
ANS: A
Older people have an age-related decrease in immune system functioning and may not show classic signs of infection such as increased white blood cell count, fever and chills, or obvious localized signs of infection. A change in behavior often signals an infection or onset of other illness in the older client.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is planning care for a client in the acute stage of a burn injury. Based on this data, the nurse will include interventions in the plan of care that address which areas?
Select all that apply. A) Nutrition B) Psychosocial support C) Pain management D) Fluid resuscitation E) Wound care
Vicodin (acetaminophen/hydrocodone) is prescribed for a patient who has had surgery. The nurse informs the patient that which common adverse effects can occur with this medication?
a. Diarrhea b. Constipation c. Lightheadedness d. Nervousness e. Urinary retention f. Itching
The nurse is explaining to a patient the procedure to alleviate pressure on a casted extremity. How should the nurse explain the procedure?
1. "This procedure is called bivalving. The doctor will use a cast saw to split the cast down both sides to relieve pressure on your leg." 2. "This procedure is called an external fixation and will help the bone heal." 3. "This procedure is called an open reduction with internal fixation to help the bone fuse together." 4. "This procedure will help heal your leg faster so that the cast can come off sooner."
An elderly female client has a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 60%. She complains of activity intolerance, shortness of air, and peripheral edema
The nurse knows that this client's diagnosis differs from that of another client who has systolic dysfunction because this client's: 1. LVEF is within normal limits. 2. LVEF is low. 3. Symptoms are unique to diastolic dysfunction. 4. Symptoms are unique to systolic dysfunction.