A nurse is caring for an 83-year-old client who asks for a warm blanket despite the room temperature being 80°F. The nurse understands that which of the following physiological changes experienced by older adults makes it more difficult for them maintain their body temperature?

Client's Response to Nitroglycerin Therapy

• Unstable Angina:
o Typically, unstable angina responds well to nitroglycerin. The relief of discomfort after nitroglycerin administration suggests that the chest pain was likely related to unstable angina, as it indicates a reduction in coronary artery spasm or temporary ischemia.
• Myocardial Infarction:
o In an MI, nitroglycerin may help alleviate pain, but it does not address the underlying cause of myocardial injury. The pain relief in an MI is generally more variable and may not be as effective if there is significant myocardial damage.

2. Client's Initial Report of Manifestations

• Unstable Angina:
o The symptoms described (shortness of breath, dizziness, and discomfort in the jaw, neck, and left arm) are consistent with unstable angina, which is characterized by episodes of chest pain or discomfort at rest or with minimal exertion, often associated with transient ischemia.
• Myocardial Infarction:
o These symptoms can also be consistent with MI, especially if they are severe or persistent. However, MI often presents with more intense and prolonged pain, and the discomfort might not always resolve with rest.

3. 12 Lead EKG Report

• Unstable Angina:
o ST depression on an EKG is more commonly associated with unstable angina, which indicates transient ischemia rather than a sustained myocardial injury.
• Myocardial Infarction:
o ST depression indicates ischemia commonly in angina.

4. Troponin Results

• Unstable Angina:
o Troponin levels are typically normal in unstable angina. The client’s troponin I (0.01 ng/mL) and troponin T (0.03 ng/mL) are within the normal range, suggesting no significant myocardial injury. This is consistent with unstable angina.
• Myocardial Infarction:
o Elevated troponin levels are a key marker of myocardial injury. The normal troponin results in this case do not support an MI diagnosis, as elevated troponin levels would be expected in MI.

A. Black, tarry stool is indicative of blood that has been digested in the upper GI tract. The dark color is due to the action of digestive enzymes on blood.
B. Clay-colored stool is typically associated with biliary obstruction, not upper GI bleeding.
C. Watery stool can be caused by various conditions, including infections, inflammatory bowel diseases, and medications. It is not a specific indicator of upper GI bleeding.
D. Bright red blood in the stool is more likely to be associated with lower GI bleeding, such as from hemorrhoids or anal fissures.