A home health nurse is providing care to an older adult client during the winter. During an in-home visit, the nurse notes that the thermostat is set to 12.8° C (55° F). The client tells the nurse, "I keep the heat set low because I can't afford to pay the bill." Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Recommend staying at a local shelter until the client can afford the bill.
Contact the local Department of Health and Human Services for the client.
Contact the client's family members to tell them the client's financial status.
Provide the client with written information about the dangers of hypothermia.
The Correct Answer is B
The nurse should contact the local Department of Health and Human Services for the client, as this agency may be able to provide assistance with heating costs or other resources for low-income individuals.
Older adults are at increased risk of hypothermia, which is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when body temperature drops below 35° C (95° F). Hypothermia can be caused by exposure to cold temperatures, inadequate clothing, poor nutrition, chronic illness, or medication use. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to intervene and help the client maintain a safe and comfortable home environment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is a low hemoglobin level, which may indicate blood loss. The nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately, as it may require further investigation and intervention, such as blood transfusion.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The client has hypokalemia, which is a low level of potassium in the blood. Hypokalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should initiate cardiac monitoring first to assess the client's heart rhythm and rate, and intervene if any abnormalities are detected. Administering an IV potassium drip is an appropriate intervention for hypokalemia, but it is not the first priority. Listening to the client's bowel sounds and checking the client's hand grasps are also relevant assessments for hypokalemia, as it can cause decreased bowel motility and muscle weakness, but they are not as urgent as cardiac monitoring.
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