The nurse suspects that an older adult patient may have pneumonia. Older adult patients may react differently to infectious processes, so the nurse is alert to atypical signs and symptoms, such as which one of the following?
a. Hypotension
b. Confusion
c. Erythema
d. Chills
B
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A Hypotension is not one of the atypical symptoms of an older adult who is experiencing infection. It may be a symptom of a systemic infection related to an elevation in body temperature (regardless of age).
B An infection in older adults may not demonstrate typical signs and symptoms. Atypical symptoms such as confusion, incontinence, or agitation may be the only symptoms of an infectious illness. An unexplained increased heart rate, confusion, or generalized fatigue may be the only symptoms of pneumonia in the older adult patient.
C Erythema is a typical symptom of a localized infection.
D Chills are a typical symptom of a systemic infection.
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