The nurse is assessing a 78-year-old patient. Which finding would be of concern to the nurse because it is not a normal finding in an aging person?
a. Patient reports difficulty telling colors, especially pastels.
b. Patient reports blurred vision.
c. Patient uses large amounts of sugar and salt to make food taste good.
d. Patient has a decreased sense of smell.
B
Most elderly people experience a decreased ability to see colors; pastels fade and monotones, blacks, and whites are difficult to see. These changes normally occur with aging. With aging, taste perception declines and salivation is diminished. Many older patients prefer more highly seasoned foods with more salt and sugar to compensate for a decreased sensation of taste.
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The nurse is gathering a history from a client who is concerned about changes in his hearing. Which of the following require the physician's immediate follow-up? (Select all that apply.)
A. Feeling of fullness in ears, in addition to other manifestations of upper respiratory infection B. Purulent drainage from ear canal C. Sudden onset of high fever after ear surgery D. Acute hearing loss E. Presence of cerumen obstructing 50% of canal F. Increasing hearing loss since started on furosemide (Lasix)
A patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus, which was previously controlled with an oral antidiabetic agent, is hospitalized for treatment of a leg ulcer
The health care provider has ordered sliding scale insulin coverage with regular insulin for hyperglycemia. The nurse brings the injection into the room, and the patient becomes upset, stating "I don't want to start taking that drug! I'll need it the rest of my life." What is the nurse's best response? a. "This is the same drug as the oral medication you were taking. It's a stronger dose while you are in the hospital." b. "Don't worry. You shouldn't need this too often. As you feel better, your blood glucose level will drop." c. "Your body is under stress right now, which raises your blood glucose level. This does not mean you will be on this drug permanently. Once you're feeling better, your provider will determine if your oral medication is all you will need." d. "Your disease is progressing and your pancreas is producing less insulin. I know this is a hard time for you. Do you want to talk about it?"
Lead poisoning may be diagnosed at the same time as
a. food allergies. b. anorexia nervosa. c. iron deficiency anemia. d. vitamin D and calcium deficiencies.
You are caring for a client newly admitted to the unit with a diagnosis of lymphangitis. What interventions would you institute to help promote the resolution of the lymphangitis? Select all that apply
A) Apply ice to the area. B) Note the response to antibiotic therapy. C) Encourage independent activities of daily living. D) Elevate the area. E) Apply warm soaks/compresses to the area.