The nurse caring for a frail 92-year-old dehydrated patient should add to the plan of care:
Potential for over-hydration related to excessive thirst
Potential for diarrhea related to dehydration
Potential for pulmonary congestion related to excessive fluid intake
Potential for fall related to confusion
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because over-hydration is unlikely in a dehydrated patient. Over-hydration is a condition where the body has too much water, which can cause hyponatremia, edema, and cerebral swelling.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because diarrhea is a cause, not a consequence, of dehydration. Diarrhea is the frequent and watery passage of stool, which can lead to fluid and electrolyte loss.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because pulmonary congestion is also unlikely in a dehydrated patient. Pulmonary congestion is a condition where the lungs are filled with fluid, which can cause dyspnea, cough, and crackles.
Choice D reason: This is correct because fall is a potential complication of dehydration. Dehydration can cause confusion, dizziness, weakness, and hypotension, which can increase the risk of falling and injuring oneself.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because 95-110 mg/dL is the normal range of serum phosphorus level in adults, not chloride. Phosphorus is an electrolyte that is involved in energy metabolism, acid-base balance, and bone formation.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because 10-120 mEq/L is not a realistic range for any electrolyte level in the blood. The units of mEq/L indicate the concentration of ions, not the mass of the substance. The normal range of serum chloride level in adults is expressed in mEq/L, not mg/dL.
Choice C reason: This is correct because 96-106 mEq/L is the normal range of serum chloride level in adults. Chloride is an electrolyte that is important for fluid balance, acid-base balance, and nerve transmission.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because 1.8-2.6 mEq/L is the normal range of serum magnesium level in adults, not chloride. Magnesium is an electrolyte that is important for muscle and nerve function, as well as enzyme activity.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Elderly patients are at a higher risk for dehydration due to physiological changes that come with aging, such as decreased kidney function and physical changes to the body's water balance systems. Additionally, fever increases metabolic rate and fluid loss, and nausea and vomiting prevent adequate fluid intake, further increasing the risk of dehydration.
Choice B: While intentionally limiting fluid intake can lead to dehydration, the body's thirst mechanism in a healthy teenager is typically strong enough to prevent severe dehydration.
Choice C: Diarrhea can certainly lead to dehydration, but a young, otherwise healthy patient typically has a stronger ability to recover from fluid loss than an elderly patient.
Choice D: Infants are at a higher risk for dehydration than older children and adults due to their smaller body weight and higher turnover of water and electrolytes, but in this case, the elderly patient's multiple risk factors put them at a higher risk overall.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today