A charge nurse in a long-term care facility is developing an educational program for staff members about common physiological changes in older adults. Which of the following information should the nurse include?
Decreased systolic blood pressure
Decreased anteroposterior chest diameter
Increased cerumen thickness
Increased saliva production
The Correct Answer is C
A) Decreased systolic blood pressure: In older adults, systolic blood pressure often increases due to stiffening of the arteries rather than decreasing. This increase in systolic blood pressure is due to reduced elasticity in blood vessels, making it a common physiological change.
B) Decreased anteroposterior chest diameter: In fact, the anteroposterior chest diameter often increases with age due to changes in the rib cage and spine, such as kyphosis. An increased chest diameter is observed in older adults, not a decrease.
C) Increased cerumen thickness: As people age, cerumen (earwax) production can increase and the cerumen can become thicker and drier. This is due to changes in the ceruminous glands and can lead to more frequent earwax impaction in older adults, making it a relevant point to include in the educational program.
D) Increased saliva production: Typically, older adults experience a decrease in saliva production, not an increase. Reduced saliva production can contribute to difficulties with chewing, swallowing, and oral health.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Metabolic acidosis: In metabolic acidosis, you would expect a low pH (acidosis) with a low bicarbonate (HCO3-) level. However, the given bicarbonate level is within the normal range (22-26 mEq/L), which indicates the acidosis is not metabolic in origin.
B) Metabolic alkalosis: Metabolic alkalosis would present with a high pH (alkalosis) and an elevated bicarbonate (HCO3-) level. The pH in this case is low, indicating acidosis, and the bicarbonate level is normal, ruling out metabolic alkalosis.
C) Respiratory alkalosis: In respiratory alkalosis, you would see a high pH (alkalosis) and a low PaCO2 due to hyperventilation. The given pH is low, indicating acidosis, and the PaCO2 is elevated, which is inconsistent with respiratory alkalosis.
D) Respiratory acidosis: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (acidosis) and an elevated PaCO2 due to hypoventilation or impaired gas exchange. The client's ABG results show a low pH (7.2), a normal bicarbonate level (26 mEq/L), and an elevated PaCO2 (52 mm Hg), indicating the client is experiencing respiratory acidosis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Drowsiness: While drowsiness can be a sign of elevated magnesium levels, it is less critical compared to more immediate symptoms like bradycardia. Monitoring and managing drowsiness is important, but bradycardia poses a more immediate risk of severe cardiovascular issues.
B) Diminished patellar reflexes: Diminished reflexes can indicate elevated magnesium levels, but this finding is less urgent compared to symptoms directly affecting heart function. It still needs to be reported but is not the highest priority.
C) Generalized muscle weakness: Muscle weakness is another common sign of high magnesium levels, reflecting the effect of magnesium on neuromuscular function. However, it is less critical compared to bradycardia, which can be life-threatening.
D) Bradycardia: Elevated magnesium levels can significantly impact cardiac function, leading to bradycardia. Bradycardia can be life-threatening, as it may result in decreased cardiac output and potential for severe complications. Therefore, this finding requires immediate attention and should be reported to the provider first.
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