A nurse is assessing a client who has acute kidney failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

This is because older adults are at increased risk of hypothermia, which is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body temperature drops below 35° C (95° F).

Hypothermia can cause confusion, drowsiness, slurred speech, slow heartbeat, shallow breathing, and loss of consciousness. Some factors that increase the risk of hypothermia in older adults are low indoor temperature, inadequate clothing, poor nutrition, chronic illness, medication use, and social isolation.

The nurse should contact the local Department of Health and Human Services for the client to help them access resources and programs that can assist them with paying their heating bills or finding alternative housing options. The nurse should also educate the client on how to prevent hypothermia by wearing warm clothing, eating well-balanced meals, drinking warm fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and staying active.

The correct answer is Choice B.

Choice A rationale: This choice suggests that the provider will prescribe a different medication regimen. However, this is not necessarily the case. Rifampin is a first-line medication for tuberculosis and its side effects, including the discoloration of body fluids, are well-known and expected. Therefore, it is unlikely that the provider would change the medication regimen solely based on this side effect.

Choice B rationale: This is the correct answer. Rifampin, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis, can cause a harmless red-orange discoloration of body fluids, including urine, sweat, tears, and saliva. This is an expected side effect of the medication and does not indicate any harm or toxicity. It is important for the nurse to reassure the client that this is a normal occurrence and does not require any changes to the medication regimen.

Choice C rationale: This choice suggests that the red-orange discoloration of the client’s saliva may indicate possible medication toxicity. However, this is not accurate. While rifampin can have serious side effects, including liver damage and severe gastrointestinal upset, the discoloration of body fluids is not a sign of toxicity. It is a harmless side effect of the medication.

Choice D rationale: This choice suggests that the client will need to increase her fluid intake to resolve the problem. However, increasing fluid intake will not change the discoloration caused by rifampin. The discoloration is a result of the medication itself and is not influenced by the client’s hydration status.