The nurse is caring for an 84-year-old female client who was brought to the emergency room by her daughter, who related that her mother has had very recent mental status changes and periods of incontinence. What condition should the nurse first suspect?

Urinary tract infection

Acute kidney failure

Septic shock

Urinary stasis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Urinary tract infection
The symptoms described, including recent mental status changes and periods of incontinence, are suggestive of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in an elderly individual. UTIs are common among older adults and can cause a variety of symptoms, including confusion, which is often the primary manifestation in the elderly population. Other symptoms can include urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence.

B. Acute kidney failure - While acute kidney failure can cause changes in urination and mental status, it is less likely to be the primary cause of these symptoms in this scenario. UTI is a more common and immediate concern given the symptoms described.

C. Septic shock - Septic shock is a severe condition that occurs when an infection leads to a life-threatening drop in blood pressure. While septic shock can cause altered mental status, it is a critical condition that often presents with more dramatic symptoms and requires immediate intensive care management. The symptoms described are more suggestive of a UTI.

D. Urinary stasis - Urinary stasis refers to the slowing or cessation of urine flow. While urinary stasis can contribute to the development of UTIs, it is not a condition that would cause sudden and acute mental status changes and incontinence on its own. UTI is a more likely cause of the symptoms described.

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Correct Answer is ["165"]

Explanation

To calculate the low range of the dosage, we need to use the lower end of the dosage range provided (1.5 mg/kg) and the client's weight in kilograms.

1 lb is approximately equal to 0.45 kg. So, to convert the client's weight from pounds to kilograms:

245 lbs * 0.45 kg/lb = 110.25 kg

Now, to calculate the low range dosage:

Low range dosage = 1.5 mg/kg * 110.25 kg = 165.375 mg

Rounding to the nearest whole number, the nurse should administer 165 mg for the low range of the dosage.

A. By avoiding the use of ice packs to treat muscle pain B. By protecting older adults against excessive sweat accumulation C. By protecting older adults against shearing injuries D. By avoiding the use of lotion on older adults' skin

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Avoiding the use of ice packs to treat muscle pain - While ice packs can cause skin damage in older adults with thinning skin, it is not the most appropriate response to the question. Protecting against shearing injuries is a more direct and specific concern related to thinning skin.

B. Protecting older adults against excessive sweat accumulation - Excessive sweat accumulation can lead to skin irritation, but this option does not directly address the issue of thinning skin as the primary concern in the question.

C. By protecting older adults against shearing injuries
Thinning skin in older adults makes them more vulnerable to skin injuries, especially shearing injuries. Shearing occurs when the skin is pulled in one direction while the underlying bone and tissues are pulled in the opposite direction. This can lead to skin tears and other wounds, which can be painful and slow to heal in older adults. Nurses should take special precautions to prevent shearing injuries, such as using lift sheets or sliding devices when moving patients, and ensuring that patients are repositioned frequently to reduce friction and shearing forces.

D. Avoiding the use of lotion on older adults' skin - Proper moisturization of the skin is important, especially in older adults, to prevent dryness and skin breakdown. Avoiding lotion is not a recommended practice; instead, choosing appropriate, non-irritating lotions can help maintain skin integrity.

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The nurse is caring for an 84-year-old female client who was brought to the emergency room by her daughter, who related that her mother has had very recent mental status changes and periods of incontinence. What condition should the nurse first suspect?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has a pulmonary embolism and has a new prescription for enoxaparin 1.5-2.5mg/kg subcutaneous. The client weighs 245 lbs. How many mg should the nurse administer for the low range of the dosage range? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number.)

Correct Answer is ["165"]

Explanation

A gerontologic nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about integumentary changes that occur in older adults, such as thinning skin. How should these students best integrate these changes into care planning?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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