The nurse is admitting an 88-year-old woman to an extended care facility. Which findings should the nurse consider as normal age-related changes of the patient's musculoskeletal system? (Select all that apply.)
a. Limb weakness
b. S-shaped curve to back.
c. Loss of 2 inches in height
d. Walks with small, shuffling steps.
e. Mild pain experiencing in the hands during the morning hours
ANS: A, C, E
Common age-related changes include decreased height due to smaller intervertebral spaces; joint pain and stiffness are associated with articular cartilage wear; and limb weakness because muscle strength declines with age as protein synthesis decreases. D. Small shuffling steps may be seen with Parkinson's disease. B. S-shaped curve is usually related to scoliosis.
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The nurse instructs the mother of a 5-year-old who sustained a mild brain injury that although all neurologic evaluations are normal, her child may exhibit postconcussive syndrome. What are common characteristics of this syndrome?
a. Convulsions and high fever b. Irritability and memory deficits c. Muscular twitching and muscle pain d. Paresis of limbs and fatigue
Your patient has been witness to a disaster involving a large number of fatalities. The patient appears upset but tells you that he feels capable of dealing with the emotions. What would be your best intervention?
A) To encourage the patient to watch the news updates B) To collect newspaper reports to review later C) To occupy the patient with other details to avoid thinking about the situation D) To encourage the patient to return to normal social roles when appropriate
A client had an endoscopic retrograde papillotomy for stone removal and has returned to the nursing unit. The client is asking for ice chips. What assessment takes priority? The nurse should assess the client's
a. bowel sounds. b. gag reflex. c. sedation level. d. vital signs.
The school nurse is planning a smoking-prevention program for middle school students. The tip that is most likely to be effective in preventing middle school children from smoking is
having a local high school basketball star come to talk to the students about the importance of not smoking. 2. having the school's biology teacherdemonstrate the pathophysiology of the effects of smoking tobacco on the body. 3. developing colorful posters withcatchy slogans and placing them all over the school. 4. having a pledge campaign withprizes awarded,during which students sign contracts saying that they will not use tobacco products.