A nurse is assessing an older adult client. Which of the following should the nurse identify as an expected physiological change associated with aging?

Choice A rationale:

Dehydration is a serious condition, and a urine output of 40 mL/hr is indicative of decreased renal perfusion and potential renal failure. However, this situation does not require immediate intervention compared to other choices.

Choice B rationale:

Pain management is important, and a pain score of 4 out of 10 indicates mild to moderate pain. While addressing pain is essential for the client's comfort, it is not an immediate priority compared to the situation presented in another choice.

Choice C rationale:

(Correct Choice) A respiratory rate of 40 breaths per minute in a client with asthma indicates severe respiratory distress. This client is at risk of respiratory failure and requires immediate assessment and intervention.

Choice D rationale:

A fasting blood glucose of 100 mg/dL in a client with diabetes mellitus is within a normal range and does not require immediate attention when compared to the urgent situation in another choice.

The correct answer is choice c. List of community resources.

Choice A rationale:

Emergency contact information is typically found in the patient’s admission records or demographic section, not in the discharge summary.

Choice B rationale:

Intake and output summary is part of the daily nursing notes or fluid balance chart, not usually included in the discharge summary.

Choice C rationale:

The discharge summary often includes a list of community resources to support the patient after discharge, such as contact information for follow-up care, support groups, or home health services.

Choice D rationale:

Basic demographic data is recorded in the patient’s initial admission records and is not typically repeated in the discharge summary.