A new mother on the postpartum unit runs out of the room screaming that her newborn infant's crib is empty and the baby is missing.

Which action should the nurse take first?

Choice A rationale:

Slower reaction time is a common age-related change in the neurological system. The processing of sensory information and response time may become slower in older adults due to changes in neural pathways and decreased neurotransmitter activity.

Choice B rationale:

Older adults may experience some difficulty with learning new things due to changes in cognitive function and neural plasticity. This is a common age-related effect on the neurological system.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Older adults typically have fewer neurotransmitters in their brains as they age, which can contribute to cognitive changes and a decline in cognitive function.

Choice D rationale:

Loss of some sense of smell and taste is an age-related change. Older adults may experience a decreased ability to detect and differentiate smells and tastes due to changes in olfactory and gustatory receptors.

Choice E rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Aging does not necessarily lead to an increase in oxygen delivery to brain cells. In fact, there may be a decrease in cerebral blood flow with age in some individuals.

Choice A rationale:

“I should take this medication with food to prevent stomach upset.” Rationale: This statement is not accurate for fluconazole. While some medications should be taken with food to reduce stomach upset, fluconazole is typically taken on an empty stomach. Taking it with food may reduce its absorption.

Choice B rationale:

“I should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.” Rationale: This is the correct response. Fluconazole can interact with alcohol and may lead to increased side effects or reduced effectiveness of the medication. Therefore, it is essential to avoid alcohol while taking fluconazole.

Choice C rationale:

“I should use a barrier method of contraception while taking this medication.” Rationale: While it is generally a good practice to use barrier contraception during treatment for a fungal infection to prevent potential spread to a partner, this statement does not specifically address fluconazole's requirements or interactions.

Choice D rationale:

“I should stop taking this medication if I develop a rash.” Rationale: This statement is not entirely accurate. While it is important to monitor for skin rashes as they can be a sign of an allergic reaction, the decision to stop taking fluconazole should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider. It is not an automatic response to developing a rash.