The nurse is conducting a functional assessment on an older patient who has lost five pounds (2.27 Kg) since the last visit 12 weeks ago and reports a decrease in energy and appetite.
Which action should the nurse include during the assessment?
Ask the patient how often episodes of sundowning are experienced.
Inquire about the frequency of falls in recent months.
Request the patient to lie as still as possible for the assessment.
Assist the patient with clarifying values about end-of-life care options.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Asking the patient how often episodes of sundowning are experienced is more relevant in assessing cognitive function, particularly in patients with dementia. It is not directly related to the patient’s weight loss or decreased energy and appetite.
Choice B rationale
Inquiring about the frequency of falls in recent months is crucial in a functional assessment of an older patient who has lost weight and reports a decrease in energy and appetite. Weight loss and decreased energy can increase the risk of falls, which can lead to serious injuries and further functional decline.
Choice C rationale
Requesting the patient to lie as still as possible for the assessment is not directly related to the patient’s weight loss or decreased energy and appetite. It might be necessary for certain physical examinations or procedures, but it is not the most relevant action in this context.
Choice D rationale
Assisting the patient with clarifying values about end-of-life care options is an important aspect of geriatric care, especially in patients with serious illnesses. However, it is not directly related to the patient’s weight loss or decreased energy and appetite.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease in which the tissues in the joint, including the cartilage, break down over time. The degradation of joint cartilage is the primary pathological condition that leads to the symptoms of osteoarthritis, such as increased pain and stiffness.
Choice B rationale
A systemic inflammatory response is not the primary cause of osteoarthritis. While inflammation can occur in the affected joint, osteoarthritis is not a systemic inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis.
Choice C rationale
An infectious process in the synovial fluid is not typically associated with osteoarthritis. Infections can lead to a different type of arthritis known as septic arthritis.
Choice D rationale
A decrease in bone mineral density is associated with osteoporosis, not osteoarthritis. In osteoarthritis, the issue is primarily with the degradation of cartilage, not a loss of bone density.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A rotator cuff injury could be a possibility given the patient’s age and the nature of the fall. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, and injuries to this area are common in falls where the shoulder takes the impact.
Choice B rationale
A humeral fracture could also be a possibility. The humerus is the bone in the upper arm, and it can be fractured in falls, especially in older adults who may have weaker bones.
Choice C rationale
A concussion could be a possibility given that the patient hit his head on the wall. Symptoms of a concussion can include nausea and fatigue, which the patient is experiencing.
Choice D rationale
A knee sprain could be a possibility given that the patient is experiencing pain in his right knee. Sprains occur when the ligaments, which are the bands of tissue that hold bones together, are stretched or torn.
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