Health problems with older adults Med 3surge

A nurse is assessing a client at risk for dehydration. Which statement by the client indicates that more education by the nurse is required?

"I stop drinking fluids in the afternoon to avoid bathroom trips at night."

A nurse is assessing a client's understanding of medication therapy. Which statement indicates that the client needs further instruction?

"When I don't sleep well at night, I take two thyroid pills the next day instead of just one."

A nurse manager is planning a comprehensive care plan for older clients admitted to the medical-surgical unit. To decrease hospital stays and lessen the pain that older clients experience, which standard intervention should the manager include in the care bundle for this population?

Assess all clients for depression.

An older adult client is in physical restraints. Which intervention by the nurse is the priority?

Assess the client every 30 to 60 minutes, releasing restraints every 2 hours.

An older adult client has become agitated and combative toward health care personnel on the unit. What is the first action that the nurse will take?

Attempt to soothe the client's fears and reorient the client to surroundings.

Which behavior exhibited by an older adult client alerts the nurse to the possibility that the client is experiencing delirium?

Becoming confused within 24 hours after hospital admission

An older adult recently had a hysterectomy and has requested some medication for pain. The physician leaves an order for meperidine (Demerol). Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Call the physician and request a different pain medication.

An older adult client is suspected of being neglected by the caregiver. What assessment provides the nurse with the best information about this possibility?

Compare the client's current weight with prior recorded weights.

An older adult client presents with signs and symptoms related to digoxin toxicity. Which age-related change may have contributed to this problem?

Decreased renal blood flow

An older adult client's spouse has died, and the family expresses concern that the client has lost weight recently and now refuses to attend the annual family reunion. The nurse should assess this client further for what clinical condition?

Depression

Which intervention would best support a client who relates a feeling of "loss of control" after having a mild stroke?

Encourage the client to perform as many tasks as possible and to participate in decision making.

An older adult client is being discharged from the hospital on several medications. Which intervention best reinforces medication teaching for this client?

Have the client actively participate in drug administration during hospitalization.

What will the nurse teach the older client with hypertension who complains that "food does not taste good without salt"?

Herbs and spices can be substituted to season food.

An older adult client is in the hospital. To what government resource would the nurse refer the client to help meet the cost of health care?

Medicare Part A

A client with Alzheimer's disease has been hospitalized for dehydration. In making an assessment, the nurse notes the presence of a cluster of bruises on the client's buttocks. What is the nurse's priority action?

Notify the client's physician and social worker.

An older client is agitated and develops new-onset confusion on admission to the long-term care unit. What is the best action for the nurse to take to minimize reloca- tion stress syndrome for this client?

Provide reorientation during hourly rounding.

What is a priority nursing intervention to prevent falls for an older adult client with multiple chronic diseases?

Providing assistance to the client in getting out of the bed or chair

A nurse is caring for an older adult client who lives alone. Which economic situation presents the most serious problem for this client?

Social Security as the basis of income

The nurse is assessing several clients. Which clients does the nurse identify as being at high risk for falls? (Select all that apply.) The client:

a.With visual impairment such as presbyopia b.Who is reluctant to use a cane while walking e. Who has difficulty arising from a sitting position