A nurse is collecting data on an older adult client. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client has a bladder infection?
Changed mental status
WBC count 9,000/mm³
Diminished reflexes
Temperature 37.3°C (99.1°F)
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Changed mental status, such as confusion, agitation, or delirium, can be a sign of a bladder infection in older adults, as they may not have the typical symptoms of dysuria, frequency, or urgency.
Choice B reason: WBC count 9,000/mm³ is within the normal range of 4,500 to 11,000/mm³ and does not indicate an infection.
Choice C reason: Diminished reflexes are not related to a bladder infection and may be due to aging, neurological disorders, or medication side effects.
Choice D reason: Temperature 37.3°C (99.1°F) is slightly elevated but not indicative of a bladder infection. Older adults may have lower baseline temperatures and may not develop fever in response to an infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Using analgesia around the clock is an appropriate action. The nurse should follow the principle of prevention rather than rescue when managing pain for a client who has terminal cancer. The nurse should administer analgesics on a regular schedule to maintain a steady level of pain relief and prevent breakthrough pain.
Choice B reason: Applying pain patches each morning and removing them at bedtime is not an appropriate action. The nurse should follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying and removing pain patches. Some patches are designed to be worn for 24 hours, while others are worn for 72 hours. Removing the patches too soon can cause inadequate pain control and withdrawal symptoms.
Choice C reason: Using intramuscular medications to control pain is not an appropriate action. The nurse should avoid using intramuscular route for administering analgesics to a client who has terminal cancer. Intramuscular injections are painful, unreliable, and increase the risk of infection and bleeding. The nurse should use oral, transdermal, or subcutaneous routes whenever possible.
Choice D reason: Decreasing a medication dose if the client develops tolerance is not an appropriate action. The nurse should understand that tolerance is a normal physiological response to long-term opioid use and does not indicate addiction or abuse. The nurse should adjust the medication dose according to the client's level of pain and response to treatment.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Ammonia 55 mg/dL is within the normal range of 15 to 60 mg/dL and does not indicate any liver dysfunction or bleeding risk.
Choice B reason: Bilirubin 1.0 mg/dL is within the normal range of 0.3 to 1.2 mg/dL and does not indicate any liver damage or jaundice.
Choice C reason: Aspartate aminotransferase 34 units/L is within the normal range of 10 to 40 units/L and does not indicate any liver inflammation or injury.
Choice D reason: Platelets 60,000/mm³ is below the normal range of 150,000 to 450,000/mm³ and indicates thrombocytopenia, which is a low platelet count that can increase the risk of bleeding during or after the liver biopsy. The nurse should report this value to the provider and monitor the client for signs of bleeding, such as bruising, petechiae, hematuria, or melena.
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