A nurse is providing education to a group of older adults about sexuality and aging.

Which of the following information should the nurse include?

The correct answer isA, B and D.

Here is why:.

• Following up with the primary care provider regularly can help detect and treat any medical conditions that may cause or contribute to delirium, such as infections, electrolyte imbalances, or medication side effects.

• Avoiding alcohol and tobacco use can prevent delirium caused by intoxication or withdrawal, as well as improve overall health and cognitive function.

• Engaging in physical and mental activities daily can help maintain brain health, prevent cognitive decline, and reduce stress and boredom that may trigger delirium.

Choice C is wrong because taking over-the-counter sleeping pills as needed can increase the risk of delirium, especially in older adults.Sleeping pills can cause confusion, drowsiness, memory impairment, and falls that may lead to delirium.Instead of sleeping pills, it is better to have good sleep habits such as uninterrupted sleep, avoiding caffeine and naps, and having a regular bedtime routine.

Choice E is wrong because wearing glasses and hearing aids if prescribed can help prevent delirium, not cause it.Sensory impairment such as poor vision and hearing can make a person more prone to delirium, as they may feel disoriented, isolated, or misunderstood.Wearing glasses and hearing aids can help improve communication, orientation, and awareness of surroundings.

Delirium is a serious change in mental abilities that results in confused thinking and a lack of awareness of one’s surroundings.It usually comes on fast and can be caused by various factors such as fever, infection, surgery, medication, or emotional distress.

Delirium can often be prevented.

The correct answer is C.

Check for bladder distention or fecal impaction.

Autonomic dysreflexia is a disorder of autonomic nervous system dysregulation that occurs in patients with a spinal cord injury above T6.

It is caused by an exaggerated reflex response of the sympathetic nervous system due to an irritating stimulus below the spinal cord injury.It leads to severe hypertension and is a medical emergency.

Bladder or bowel distension are the most common triggers of autonomic dysreflexia.

Therefore, the priority nursing intervention is to check for bladder distention or fecal impaction and relieve them as soon as possible.

This can help to eliminate the stimulus and lower the blood pressure.

Choice A is wrong because administering antihypertensive medication as prescribed may not be effective or appropriate for autonomic dysreflexia.

The hypertension is caused by a reflex mechanism and not by a primary cardiovascular disorder.Moreover, antihypertensive drugs may cause hypotension once the stimulus is removed.

Choice B is wrong because elevating the head of bed to 90 degrees may not be enough to lower the blood pressure.It may also increase the risk of orthostatic hypotension once the stimulus is removed.However, sitting the patient upright and loosening any tight clothing are recommended as initial steps to reduce the blood pressure.

Choice D is wrong because applying a cooling blanket to lower body temperature is not indicated for autonomic dysreflexia.There is no evidence that body temperature is elevated or contributes to the hypertension in this condition.A cooling blanket may also cause vasoconstriction and worsen the hypertension.

Normal ranges for blood pressure vary depending on age, sex, and other factors.

However, a general guideline is that systolic blood pressure should be less than 120 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure should be less than 80 mm Hg for most adults.

Normal ranges for heart rate also vary depending on age, activity level, and other factors.

However, a general guideline is that resting heart rate should be between 60 and 100 beats per minute for most adults.

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