An 80-year-old client is diagnosed with pneumonia. Which of the following symptoms may appear first?
Altered mental status and dehydration
Hemoptysis and dyspnea
Pleuritic chest pain and hypertension
Fever and chills
The Correct Answer is D
A. While altered mental status can occur in older adults with pneumonia, especially due to hypoxia or infection, it is often a result of more advanced disease or complications rather than an early symptom. Dehydration can also occur but is not a direct symptom of pneumonia.
B. Hemoptysis (coughing up blood) is not a common early symptom of pneumonia, especially in older adults. Dyspnea (difficulty breathing) may occur, but it generally arises as the pneumonia worsens. These symptoms might not be the first to present.
C. Pleuritic chest pain (pain upon breathing) can be associated with pneumonia but is not necessarily an early symptom, especially in the elderly. Hypertension may be present but is not a hallmark of pneumonia and can vary widely among patients.
D. Fever and chills are common initial symptoms of pneumonia and are part of the body’s response to infection. In elderly patients, fever may sometimes be less pronounced or atypical, but it is still one of the first signs of pneumonia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. This is not a typical preoperative instruction for retinal detachment surgery. Pupil constriction is not directly related to the procedure.
B. This is crucial to prevent further damage to the retina. Sudden head movements can exacerbate the detachment.
C. Cool compresses are not typically recommended before retinal detachment surgery. They may not have a significant impact on the condition.
D. While eye patches might be used post-operatively to protect the eyes, it's not a common preoperative instruction.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Congenital cataracts are present at birth and are relatively rare. In older adults, cataracts are primarily associated with age-related changes rather than congenital factors.
B. While certain medications used to treat asthma, like corticosteroids, can contribute to the development of cataracts, asthma itself is not a direct cause of cataracts. This connection is not strong enough to be considered a common cause.
C. While eye injuries can lead to cataract formation, they are not the most common cause, especially in the older adult population. Most cataracts develop due to age-related changes rather than trauma.
D. The most prevalent cause of cataracts, especially in older adults, is aging. As people get older, changes in the lens of the eye can lead to clouding, resulting in cataracts. Factors like UV exposure, smoking, and certain medical conditions may also contribute, but aging is the primary and most common factor.
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