A nurse is conducting a psychosocial assessment of an older adult client who has recently retired from work.

Which of the following questions should the nurse ask?

(Select all that apply.).

The correct answer is C.

Check for bladder distention or fecal impaction.

Autonomic dysreflexia is a disorder of autonomic nervous system dysregulation that occurs in patients with a spinal cord injury above T6.

It is caused by an exaggerated reflex response of the sympathetic nervous system due to an irritating stimulus below the spinal cord injury.It leads to severe hypertension and is a medical emergency.

Bladder or bowel distension are the most common triggers of autonomic dysreflexia.

Therefore, the priority nursing intervention is to check for bladder distention or fecal impaction and relieve them as soon as possible.

This can help to eliminate the stimulus and lower the blood pressure.

Choice A is wrong because administering antihypertensive medication as prescribed may not be effective or appropriate for autonomic dysreflexia.

The hypertension is caused by a reflex mechanism and not by a primary cardiovascular disorder.Moreover, antihypertensive drugs may cause hypotension once the stimulus is removed.

Choice B is wrong because elevating the head of bed to 90 degrees may not be enough to lower the blood pressure.It may also increase the risk of orthostatic hypotension once the stimulus is removed.However, sitting the patient upright and loosening any tight clothing are recommended as initial steps to reduce the blood pressure.

Choice D is wrong because applying a cooling blanket to lower body temperature is not indicated for autonomic dysreflexia.There is no evidence that body temperature is elevated or contributes to the hypertension in this condition.A cooling blanket may also cause vasoconstriction and worsen the hypertension.

Normal ranges for blood pressure vary depending on age, sex, and other factors.

However, a general guideline is that systolic blood pressure should be less than 120 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure should be less than 80 mm Hg for most adults.

Normal ranges for heart rate also vary depending on age, activity level, and other factors.

However, a general guideline is that resting heart rate should be between 60 and 100 beats per minute for most adults.

References:.

The correct answer is B.

Diphenhydramine.Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine and sedative medication that can causedeliriumin older adults, especially when used in high doses or for a long time.Delirium is a serious change in mental abilities that results in confused thinking and reduced awareness of the surroundings.It can be caused by various factors, such as infections, medications, surgery, or alcohol or drug use or withdrawal.Delirium can have serious consequences, such as increased risk of falls, complications, and death.

Choice A is wrong because acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer that does not usually cause delirium in older adults.

However, acetaminophen overdose can cause liver damage and altered mental status.

Choice C is wrong because metformin is an oral medication that lowers blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Metformin does not typically cause delirium in older adults.

However, metformin can cause a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis, which can cause confusion and other symptoms.

Choice D is wrong because lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that lowers blood pressure and prevents heart failure.

Lisinopril does not usually cause delirium in older adults.

However, lisinopril can cause a rare but serious condition called angioedema, which can cause swelling of the face, tongue, or throat and difficulty breathing.

Normal ranges for some relevant laboratory tests are:.

• Albumin: 3.5-5.0 g/dL.

• Potassium: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L.

• Total cholesterol: <200 mg/dL.

• Hemoglobin: 13.5-17.5 g/dL for men; 12.0-15.5 g/dL for women.