While changing a client's postoperative dressing, the nurse observes purulent drainage at the site.
Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should note which of the client's laboratory values?

Choice A rationale:

Slower reaction time is a common age-related change in the neurological system. The processing of sensory information and response time may become slower in older adults due to changes in neural pathways and decreased neurotransmitter activity.

Choice B rationale:

Older adults may experience some difficulty with learning new things due to changes in cognitive function and neural plasticity. This is a common age-related effect on the neurological system.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Older adults typically have fewer neurotransmitters in their brains as they age, which can contribute to cognitive changes and a decline in cognitive function.

Choice D rationale:

Loss of some sense of smell and taste is an age-related change. Older adults may experience a decreased ability to detect and differentiate smells and tastes due to changes in olfactory and gustatory receptors.

Choice E rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Aging does not necessarily lead to an increase in oxygen delivery to brain cells. In fact, there may be a decrease in cerebral blood flow with age in some individuals.

Choice A rationale:

Assigning a client who is one day postoperative for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy to the practical nurse (PN) is appropriate. This procedure is minimally invasive, and the client is likely stable, requiring routine postoperative care such as wound assessment, pain management, and monitoring for any signs of complications.

Choice B rationale:

An older client who is one day postoperative with a colostomy for colon cancer may have complex postoperative needs, including colostomy care, monitoring for complications, and pain management. This level of care is usually within the scope of the registered nurse (RN) rather than a practical nurse (PN).

Choice C rationale:

An older adult who is scheduled for foot amputation due to diabetes complications is likely to have complex care needs, including wound care, diabetes management, and potential complications. This client would require the expertise of an RN rather than a PN.

Choice D rationale:

An adult with alcoholism, cirrhosis, and hepatic encephalopathy may have complex medical and psychosocial issues that require specialized nursing care. This client's condition is not appropriate for a practical nurse (PN) to manage, and the care should be provided by an RN or other specialized healthcare provider.