Hypothermia is a medical emergency defined as a core temperature less than 95°F. Which of the following tips to prevent hypothermia should you tell your elderly client? (Select all that apply.)
Use absorbent incontinent pads
Eat high-protein meals.
Layer clothing, and bed clothes,
Use a head covering
Use your comfort level to set the thermostat
Correct Answer : B,C,D
A. Use absorbent incontinent pads.
Explanation: While absorbent incontinent pads are useful for managing incontinence, they do not directly contribute to preventing hypothermia. Maintaining warmth through appropriate clothing and insulation is more relevant to hypothermia prevention.
B. Eat high-protein meals.
Explanation: Consuming high-protein meals is important for maintaining energy and body heat. Protein metabolism produces heat as a byproduct, contributing to overall warmth.
C. Layer clothing and bedclothes.
Explanation: Layering helps trap warmth close to the body, providing insulation. This is an effective strategy to prevent heat loss and maintain body temperature.
D. Use a head covering.
Explanation: A significant amount of heat is lost through the head. Wearing a head covering, such as a hat or a cap, helps to minimize heat loss and maintain body temperature.
E. Use your comfort level to set the thermostat.
Explanation: Relying solely on personal comfort to set the thermostat may not provide adequate protection against hypothermia. It is important to keep indoor temperatures at a level that ensures warmth and minimizes the risk of cold exposure, especially for elderly individuals who may be more susceptible to temperature extremes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Balance:
The Get-Up-and-Go test assesses the patient's ability to maintain balance during the process of standing up from a chair, walking a short distance, turning around, and sitting down. Impaired balance can be a significant risk factor for falls.
B. Stride:
Stride, or the length of a person's step, is not explicitly assessed in the Get-Up-and-Go test. However, the test may indirectly provide information about the patient's walking pattern and step characteristics.
C. Flexibility:
While flexibility is not a specific focus of the Get-Up-and-Go test, the test involves movements that require a degree of joint flexibility, such as bending the knees to stand up and sit down.
D. Speed:
Speed is an important aspect of the Get-Up-and-Go test. The time taken by the patient to complete the entire sequence of standing up, walking, turning, and sitting down is considered. Slower performance on the test may indicate an increased risk of falls.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","F"]
Explanation
A. Has a history of alcohol abuse
Explanation: Alcohol can contribute to hypothermia as it causes vasodilation, leading to heat loss. It can impair the body's ability to regulate temperature.
B. Bathes three to four times a week
Explanation: While personal hygiene is important, the frequency of bathing alone may not be a direct risk factor for hypothermia. The overall environmental temperature and the individual's ability to regulate their body temperature are more critical considerations.
C. Has a history of diabetes mellitus
Explanation: Diabetes mellitus can increase the risk of hypothermia as it may affect circulation and peripheral nerve function. Impaired sensation and reduced blood flow can contribute to difficulty in maintaining body temperature.
D. Becomes diaphoretic on warm days
Explanation: Excessive sweating (diaphoresis) can contribute to the risk of hypothermia, as it leads to moisture loss from the skin, making it more challenging for the body to maintain a stable temperature.
E. Is prescribed antidepressant
Explanation: While certain medications, including some antidepressants, can affect thermoregulation, the prescription of an antidepressant alone does not necessarily indicate an increased risk of hypothermia. It is essential to consider the specific medication and its potential side effects.
F. Has a history of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
Explanation: Individuals with a history of a cerebrovascular accident may have impaired thermoregulation due to damage to the central nervous system. This can increase susceptibility to temperature extremes.
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