A gerontologic nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about integumentary changes that occur in older adults, such as thinning skin. How should these students best integrate these changes into care planning?

By avoiding the use of ice packs to treat muscle pain

By protecting older adults against excessive sweat accumulation

By protecting older adults against shearing injuries

By avoiding the use of lotion on older adults' skin

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Avoiding the use of ice packs to treat muscle pain - While ice packs can cause skin damage in older adults with thinning skin, it is not the most appropriate response to the question. Protecting against shearing injuries is a more direct and specific concern related to thinning skin.

B. Protecting older adults against excessive sweat accumulation - Excessive sweat accumulation can lead to skin irritation, but this option does not directly address the issue of thinning skin as the primary concern in the question.

C. By protecting older adults against shearing injuries
Thinning skin in older adults makes them more vulnerable to skin injuries, especially shearing injuries. Shearing occurs when the skin is pulled in one direction while the underlying bone and tissues are pulled in the opposite direction. This can lead to skin tears and other wounds, which can be painful and slow to heal in older adults. Nurses should take special precautions to prevent shearing injuries, such as using lift sheets or sliding devices when moving patients, and ensuring that patients are repositioned frequently to reduce friction and shearing forces.

D. Avoiding the use of lotion on older adults' skin - Proper moisturization of the skin is important, especially in older adults, to prevent dryness and skin breakdown. Avoiding lotion is not a recommended practice; instead, choosing appropriate, non-irritating lotions can help maintain skin integrity.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Urinary tract infection
The symptoms described, including recent mental status changes and periods of incontinence, are suggestive of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in an elderly individual. UTIs are common among older adults and can cause a variety of symptoms, including confusion, which is often the primary manifestation in the elderly population. Other symptoms can include urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence.

B. Acute kidney failure - While acute kidney failure can cause changes in urination and mental status, it is less likely to be the primary cause of these symptoms in this scenario. UTI is a more common and immediate concern given the symptoms described.

C. Septic shock - Septic shock is a severe condition that occurs when an infection leads to a life-threatening drop in blood pressure. While septic shock can cause altered mental status, it is a critical condition that often presents with more dramatic symptoms and requires immediate intensive care management. The symptoms described are more suggestive of a UTI.

D. Urinary stasis - Urinary stasis refers to the slowing or cessation of urine flow. While urinary stasis can contribute to the development of UTIs, it is not a condition that would cause sudden and acute mental status changes and incontinence on its own. UTI is a more likely cause of the symptoms described.

A. "I will need to drink apple cider vinegar each day." B. “I will need to wipe my perineal area from back to front after urination." C. “I need to drink 8 cups of liquid each day. D. "I will need to empty my bladder regularly and completely.”

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. "I will need to drink apple cider vinegar each day."

This statement is incorrect. Drinking apple cider vinegar is not a proven method to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). The client does not need to consume apple cider vinegar as a preventive measure for UTIs.
B. “I will need to wipe my perineal area from back to front after urination."

This statement is incorrect and indicates a need for further teaching. Proper hygiene is essential in preventing UTIs, and wiping from back to front can introduce bacteria from the anal area to the urethra, increasing the risk of UTIs. The correct technique is to wipe from front to back after urination to prevent the spread of bacteria.
C. “I need to drink 8 cups of liquid each day."

This statement is correct. Staying well-hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of fluids, such as 8 cups of liquid each day, can help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract and reduce the risk of UTIs. Proper hydration is a good preventive measure.
D. "I will need to empty my bladder regularly and completely.”

This statement is correct. Emptying the bladder regularly and completely helps prevent the accumulation of bacteria in the urinary tract. Incomplete emptying of the bladder can allow bacteria to multiply, increasing the risk of UTIs. Regular and thorough emptying of the bladder is an important preventive measure against UTIs.

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A gerontologic nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about integumentary changes that occur in older adults, such as thinning skin. How should these students best integrate these changes into care planning?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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