A nurse in a provider’s office is assessing an older adult client whose son reports that the client has been sick with a respiratory illness for the past 6 days. Which of the following assessment findings is a manifestation of pneumonia in the older adult client?

Choice A reason: Difficulty moving the upper extremities is not a complication of immobility, but a result of the stroke. A stroke can damage the part of the brain that controls movement, sensation, or coordination of the limbs, causing hemiparesis (weakness) or hemiplegia (paralysis) on one side of the body. The nurse should assist the client with passive or active range of motion exercises to prevent muscle atrophy and contractures.

Choice B reason: Stiffness in the lower extremities is not a complication of immobility, but a result of the stroke. A stroke can affect the muscle tone of the limbs, causing spasticity (increased muscle tension) or flaccidity (decreased muscle tone) on one side of the body. The nurse should apply splints or braces to prevent deformities and provide massage or stretching to relieve stiffness.

Choice C reason: A reddened area over the sacrum is a complication of immobility, and a sign of a pressure injury. A pressure injury is a localized damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure, friction, or shear. The sacrum is a common site for pressure injuries, as it is a bony prominence that bears the weight of the body when lying down. The nurse should reposition the client every 12 hours, provide skin care, and use pressure relieving devices to prevent pressure injuries.

Choice D reason: Difficulty hearing some types of sounds is not a complication of immobility, but a result of aging or other factors. Hearing loss can occur due to various causes, such as exposure to loud noise, ear infections, earwax buildup, or ototoxic medications. The nurse should assess the client's hearing and use communication strategies, such as speaking clearly, facing the client, and reducing background noise.

Choice A reason: Positioning the head of the client’s bed in the flat position is not a good way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. This position can increase the risk of aspiration of oral secretions or gastric contents into the lungs, which can cause infection. The nurse should elevate the head of the bed to 30 to 45 degrees to prevent aspiration and promote drainage of secretions.

Choice B reason: Brushing the client’s teeth with a suction toothbrush every 12 hr is an effective way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. Oral hygiene can reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth and prevent the formation of dental plaque, which can harbor pathogens that can cause pneumonia. The nurse should use a suction toothbrush to remove debris and secretions from the mouth and prevent them from entering the lungs.

Choice C reason: Providing humidity by maintaining moisture within the ventilator tubing is not a helpful way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. Humidity can increase the growth of bacteria and fungi in the ventilator circuit, which can contaminate the air delivered to the lungs. The nurse should change the ventilator tubing and filters regularly and use sterile water to fill the humidifier.

Choice D reason: Turning the client every 4 hr is not a sufficient way to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia. Turning can help prevent pressure ulcers and improve blood circulation, but it does not prevent the accumulation of secretions in the lungs, which can cause infection. The nurse should use chest physiotherapy, suctioning, and coughing techniques to mobilize and clear secretions from the airways.