A nurse is evaluating a client who is 70 years old for signs of dehydration.

Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

The correct answer is D.

Delirium.

The nurse should monitor the client for delirium, which is a state of acute mental confusion that can be caused by fever, infection, dehydration, or medications.

Delirium can affect the client’s cognition, attention, orientation, memory, and behavior.It can also increase the risk of falls, complications, and mortality.

Choice A is wrong because dehydration is not a complication of fever, but rather a possible cause of fever.

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in, and it can impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature.Dehydration is more common and dangerous in older adults because they have a lower volume of water in their bodies, a weaker thirst response, and may have conditions or medications that increase fluid loss.

Choice B is wrong because hypothermia is not a complication of fever, but rather a condition of abnormally low body temperature.

Hypothermia can occur when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, such as in cold weather or water exposure.Hypothermia can affect the brain, heart, and other organs, and can lead to death if not treated promptly.

Choice C is wrong because seizures are not a common complication of fever in older adults.

Seizures are sudden episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in movement, sensation, behavior, or consciousness.

Seizures can have various causes, such as head injury, stroke, infection, or epilepsy.

Fever-induced seizures are more likely to occur in young children than in older adults.

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.