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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Performing range of motion:
Explanation: Range of motion exercises are important for preventing joint stiffness and muscle atrophy, especially in clients with casts. However, this is not the first priority. Ensuring adequate circulation and perfusion is crucial before initiating any exercises or movements, as compromised circulation could lead to serious complications.
B. Managing pain:
Explanation: Pain management is important for the client's comfort, but it is not the first priority in this context. Assessing circulation and ensuring there are no signs of compromised perfusion takes precedence. Pain management can follow once circulation has been confirmed as adequate.
C. Checking capillary refill:
Explanation: Checking capillary refill is the first priority when assessing a client with a cast. Capillary refill assesses peripheral circulation by pressing on the nail bed and observing how quickly color returns. Delayed capillary refill could indicate compromised blood flow, which is a serious concern and requires immediate intervention.
D. Discussing cast care:
Explanation: Educating the client about cast care is important, but it is not the first priority. Ensuring proper circulation and ruling out any signs of impaired perfusion must be addressed before discussing cast care instructions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Lordosis: Lordosis is an inward curvature of the spine, commonly seen in the lower back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine). It creates a swayback appearance. Lordosis is not typically associated with osteoporosis.
B. Scoliosis: Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine, creating an "S" or "C" shape. While scoliosis can occur in people of all ages, it is not directly caused by osteoporosis.
C. Ankylosis: Ankylosis refers to the stiffening or fusion of joints, often due to inflammation and progressive loss of function. It is not a spinal deformity associated with osteoporosis.
D. Kyphosis: Kyphosis is a forward rounding of the back, leading to a hunched or humpbacked posture. It commonly affects the upper back (thoracic spine) and is associated with osteoporosis, especially in older adults. When the bones in the spine weaken due to osteoporosis, they can compress and collapse, leading to the development of kyphosis. This condition is sometimes referred to as a dowager's hump when it occurs in older women.
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