A nurse is caring for an older adult client.
The client has an increased risk for dehydration due to which of the following physiological changes that can occur with aging?
Decrease in systolic blood pressure
Increase in saliva production
Increase in percentage of body water
Decrease in kidney function
Decrease in kidney function
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
A decrease in systolic blood pressure is not a physiological change that increases the risk of dehydration in older adults.
Choice B rationale
An increase in saliva production does not occur with aging and does not increase the risk of dehydration.
Choice C rationale
An increase in the percentage of body water does not occur with aging. In fact, total body water decreases with age, which can contribute to an increased risk of dehydration.
Choice D rationale
A decrease in kidney function is a common physiological change that occurs with aging. This can lead to a decreased ability to concentrate urine and conserve water, increasing the risk of dehydration.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Skin pallor and cool-to-touch skin are common signs of severe dehydration. When the body is severely dehydrated, blood flow to the skin decreases, causing the skin to feel cool and look pale.
Choice B rationale
Pitting edema is not a clinical finding of severe dehydration. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Pitting edema is a condition that causes swelling due to fluid accumulation, often due to conditions like heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease.
Choice C rationale
Tachycardia with a thready pulse is a common sign of severe dehydration. The heart rate increases in an attempt to maintain blood flow to the organs, and the pulse may feel weak or thready due to low blood volume.
Choice D rationale
Lung sounds diminished with crackles upon auscultation is not typically associated with dehydration. This is more commonly seen in conditions affecting the lungs such as pneumonia or heart failure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice C.
Step 1 is to interpret the laboratory values. The glucose level is within the normal range (7099 mg/dL). The chloride level is within the normal range (97-107 mEq/L). The sodium level is within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L). However, the potassium level is low (normal range is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L)89101112.
Step 2 is to plan the action based on the interpretation. Given the low potassium level, the nurse should plan to request a potassium replacement
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