A nurse is assessing the skin turgor of an older adult client. In which of the following areas should the nurse lift the skin?

Rationale:

A. "My provider will make my health care decisions if I complete advance directives.": Advance directives are designed to communicate the client’s own wishes regarding medical care, not to give the provider decision-making authority. The client retains the right to guide their care through these legal documents.

B. "A living will is a document that includes my wishes about health care decisions.": This statement demonstrates understanding because a living will specifies the client’s preferences for medical treatments, such as resuscitation or life-sustaining measures, in the event they are unable to communicate their wishes.

C. "My partner needs to be present as a witness when I sign a living will.": Witness requirements vary by state, but typically a living will requires impartial adult witnesses, not necessarily a partner, to prevent conflicts of interest. Believing the partner must be present reflects a misunderstanding of legal requirements.

D. "Advance directives outline who inherits my material possessions in the event of my death.": This describes a will, not an advance directive. Advance directives pertain to medical care decisions, not the distribution of property or assets.

Rationale:

A. Hyperkalemia: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes potassium excretion, which can lead to hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia. Monitoring for low potassium is important, but hyperkalemia is not a primary concern with these medications.

B. Hypoglycemia: Neither furosemide nor gentamicin directly affects blood glucose levels. Hypoglycemia is not a typical complication of these medications.

C. Ototoxicity: Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, and furosemide, a loop diuretic, can both cause ototoxicity, which may result in tinnitus, hearing loss, or balance disturbances. Monitoring for auditory changes is essential when these medications are used concurrently.

D. Liver toxicity: These medications are not primarily hepatotoxic. Liver function monitoring is not a routine requirement for furosemide or gentamicin unless there are other predisposing conditions.