A nurse is preparing a presentation at a senior center about age-related musculoskeletal changes. Which of the following changes should the nurse plan to include?

Choice A: WBC Count

Reason: The white blood cell (WBC) count is not directly related to fall risk. WBC count is an indicator of the immune system’s response to infection or inflammation. In this case, the patient’s WBC count is within the normal range (5,000 to 10,000/mm³) on both days. Therefore, it does not contribute to an increased risk of falls.

Choice B: Parkinson’s disease

Reason: Parkinson’s disease significantly increases the risk of falls due to several factors. Patients with Parkinson’s often experience postural instability, which is the inability to maintain balance when standing or walking. This condition is a cardinal feature of Parkinson’s disease and can lead to frequent falls. Additionally, Parkinson’s patients may experience freezing of gait, where they suddenly cannot move their feet forward despite the intention to walk. This can cause them to fall. Other gait abnormalities, such as festinating gait (short, rapid steps) and dyskinesias (involuntary movements), also contribute to the increased fall risk.

Choice C: Potassium level on day 2

Reason: The patient’s potassium level on day 2 is 3.0 mEq/L, which is below the normal range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) can lead to muscle weakness, cramps, and fatigue. These symptoms can impair the patient’s ability to maintain balance and increase the risk of falls. Hypokalemia can also cause abnormal heart rhythms, which can further contribute to the risk of falls.

Choice D: Furosemide

Reason: Furosemide is a diuretic medication used to treat conditions such as heart failure by reducing fluid buildup in the body. However, it can also cause orthostatic hypotension, a condition where blood pressure drops significantly when standing up. This can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and an increased risk of falls. Additionally, furosemide can cause electrolyte imbalances, such as low potassium levels, which can further contribute to fall risk.

Choice E: Low blood pressure

Reason: The patient’s blood pressure readings indicate orthostatic hypotension, with a significant drop from 128/56 mm Hg while sitting to 92/40 mm Hg while standing. Orthostatic hypotension is a common condition in patients with Parkinson’s disease and heart failure. It can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when changing positions, increasing the risk of falls. The patient’s low blood pressure when standing is a clear indicator of increased fall risk.

Choice A reason:

Albuterol is primarily a bronchodilator and does not significantly reduce inflammation. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids, are typically used to address inflammation in the airways.

Choice B reason:

While albuterol can help reduce coughing episodes by opening the airways and making breathing easier, it is not its primary function. Coughing can be a symptom of bronchospasm, which albuterol helps to relieve.

Choice C reason:

Albuterol is effective in preventing wheezing by relaxing the muscles around the airways, which helps to open them up and allow more air to flow through. This action helps to alleviate wheezing, a common symptom of asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Choice D reason:

The primary function of albuterol is to open the airways. It is a bronchodilator that works by relaxing the smooth muscles around the airways, allowing them to widen and making it easier to breathe.

Choice E reason:

Albuterol does not stimulate the flow of mucus. Its main action is to relax the airway muscles and improve airflow. Mucus production is typically managed by other medications or treatments.