A nurse is performing an admission assessment on an older patient who presented with a high fever and cough, reduced oral intake for 3 days, and lower extremity weakness. The patient has sunken eyes, and the patient’s skin turgor over the sternum is poor. The nurse suspects that the patient is dehydrated. Which of the following are indicators of dehydration in this patient? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason: This statement is correct, as adjuvant medications are drugs that are not primarily intended for pain relief, but can enhance the analgesic effect of other pain medications. Examples of adjuvant medications are antidepressants, anticonvulsants, or corticosteroids.

Choice B reason: This statement is false, as adjuvant medications can have significant side effects, depending on the type and dose of the drug. Some common side effects are drowsiness, nausea, dry mouth, or weight gain.

Choice C reason: This statement is misleading, as adjuvant medications are not used instead of opioids, but rather as an adjunct to opioids or other analgesics. Adjuvant medications can help reduce the dose of opioids needed to achieve pain relief, but they do not replace them entirely.

Choice D reason: This statement is inaccurate, as adjuvant medications are not used to eliminate the side effects of opioid medications, but rather to treat the underlying cause or mechanism of pain. Adjuvant medications can target different types of pain, such as neuropathic, inflammatory, or visceral pain.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because using smooth muscle relaxants is not the most important aspect of care for the nurse to maintain when assisting an older client with urinary incontinence. Smooth muscle relaxants are medications that can relax the bladder and reduce the urge to urinate, but they can also cause side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, or blurred vision. They are not suitable for all types of urinary incontinence, and they should be used with caution and under medical supervision.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because availability of protective rubber garments is not the most important aspect of care for the nurse to maintain when assisting an older client with urinary incontinence. Protective rubber garments are devices that can prevent urine leakage and protect the skin and clothing, but they can also cause skin irritation, infection, or odor. They are not a cure for urinary incontinence, and they should be used as a last resort or in combination with other interventions.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because using indwelling urinary catheters is not the most important aspect of care for the nurse to maintain when assisting an older client with urinary incontinence. Indwelling urinary catheters are tubes that can drain urine from the bladder and collect it in a bag, but they can also cause complications such as urinary tract infections, bladder spasms, or trauma. They are not recommended for long-term use, and they should be used only when other methods have failed or are contraindicated.

Choice D reason: This is correct because maintaining an attitude that is respectful and positive about resolving the problem is the most important aspect of care for the nurse to maintain when assisting an older client with urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence can cause embarrassment, shame, isolation, or depression in older clients, and they may be reluctant to seek help or comply with treatment. The nurse should respect the client's dignity, privacy, and preferences, and provide education, support, and encouragement. The nurse should also assess the underlying causes and contributing factors of urinary incontinence, and implement individualized and evidence-based interventions.