The nurse working with elderly clients in a nursing home assesses them for dehydration closely because the clients (Select all that apply)
a. are more susceptible to developing ascites and anasarca.
b. experience interactions among drugs they may take for chronic illnesses.
c. have a decreased proportion of body water as compared to fat.
d. may be demented and not realize they need to drink.
e. probably have a diminished sense of thirst.
B, C, D, E
The elderly are at risk for dehydration from numerous causes. In addition to the options listed above, they may be at risk because they have decreased renal concentration of urine, an altered ADH response, and multiple chronic illnesses.
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The home health nurse in Wyoming gives instruction to an 80-year-old patient in the prevention of hypothermia when outdoors for long periods of time, which includes: (Select all that apply.)
a. wearing multiple layers of clothing. b. wearing a snug-fitting hat. c. moving about briskly. d. drinking warm fluids from thermos. e. wearing gloves and earmuffs.
A terminally ill patient and the family agree that the physician will write a do-not-resuscitate order for the patient. The nurse understands that what should be implemented when following this order?
1. Do not call a code if the patient stops breathing or the heart stops beating. 2. Call a code only if the patient stops breathing. 3. Call a code only if the patient's heart stops beating. 4. Withhold food and fluids but provide pain medication.
When asked, "What causes alcoholism?" the nurse's response will be based on the fact that:
a. The response to alcohol is a result of a brain-based disorder. b. Alcoholism is believed to be an allergic response to the alcohol. c. Every individual has the same susceptibility for developing alcoholism. d. It is a physical response to alcohol but it's etiology is not fully understood.
A nurse has just admitted a female patient to the medical-surgical unit for a recurrent urinary tract infection. Which finding should alert the nurse that the patient may be experiencing major depression?
a. A patient who reports sleeping 14 to 16 hours per day for the past 3 months. b. A patient who states, "I feel pretty emotional about once a month." c. A patient who comments, "I have asked my sister to help me at home until I am feeling stronger." d. A patient who says, "I'm a bit of a loner. I love to read and surf the Internet."