An elderly resident of a long-term care facility frequently wakes up to urinate during the night. What physiological change associated with normal aging could be the cause of this?
Reduced kidney ability to concentrate urine.
Lower fluid intake during daytime hours.
Enhanced bladder contractility leading to urinary stasis.
Increased bladder muscle tone leading to frequent urination.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Reduced kidney ability to concentrate urine is a common physiological change associated with normal aging. This is due to several factors, including:
Decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR): The kidneys filter waste products from the blood. As we age, the number of functioning nephrons (filtering units) in the kidneys decreases, leading to a decline in GFR. This means that the kidneys are less able to filter waste products and concentrate urine.
Decreased renal blood flow: Blood flow to the kidneys also decreases with age. This further reduces the kidneys' ability to filter waste products and concentrate urine.
Decreased tubular function: The tubules in the kidneys are responsible for reabsorbing water and electrolytes from the urine. As we age, the function of the tubules also declines, leading to a decrease in the ability to concentrate urine.
As a result of these changes, older adults often produce more urine, even at night. This can lead to nocturia, which is the need to wake up to urinate two or more times per night.
Choice B rationale:
Lower fluid intake during daytime hours can also contribute to nocturia, but it is not a direct physiological change associated with normal aging. Older adults may drink less fluids during the day for a variety of reasons, such as decreased thirst sensation, fear of incontinence, or limited access to fluids. However, even if they maintain adequate fluid intake during the day, they may still experience nocturia due to the reduced ability of their kidneys to concentrate urine.
Choice C rationale:
Enhanced bladder contractility leading to urinary stasis is not a typical physiological change associated with normal aging. In fact, bladder contractility often decreases with age, which can lead to difficulty emptying the bladder completely. This can contribute to urinary frequency and urgency, but it is not typically a cause of nocturia.
Choice D rationale:
Increased bladder muscle tone leading to frequent urination is also not a typical physiological change associated with normal aging. Bladder muscle tone may decrease with age, which can lead to difficulty emptying the bladder completely. However, it is not typically a cause of nocturia.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Straight catheters are single-use catheters that are inserted into the bladder to drain urine and then immediately removed. They are not suitable for long-term use in clients with obstructed urethras because they would need to be inserted repeatedly, causing discomfort and potential trauma to the urethral tissues. Additionally, the obstruction itself would make it difficult or impossible to insert a straight catheter.
Choice B rationale:
Indwelling urethral catheters, also known as Foley catheters, are inserted into the bladder and remain in place for a period of time. They are typically used for clients who cannot void on their own or who require continuous bladder drainage. However, they are not the best option for clients with obstructed urethras for the following reasons:
The presence of the catheter within the urethra can further irritate or damage the already obstructed tissues. The balloon that holds the catheter in place could potentially worsen the obstruction.
The risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) is increased with indwelling catheters.
Choice C rationale:
Intermittent urethral catheters are inserted into the bladder to drain urine and then removed. They are typically used by clients who can self-catheterize several times a day. However, they are not suitable for clients with complete prostatic obstruction, as the obstruction would make it difficult or impossible to insert the catheter.
Choice D rationale:
Suprapubic catheters are inserted directly into the bladder through a small incision in the abdomen, bypassing the urethra entirely. This makes them the most suitable option for clients with obstructed urethras, as it eliminates the need to pass a catheter through the obstructed area. Suprapubic catheters offer several advantages in this situation:
They avoid further irritation or damage to the urethral tissues.
They provide a more comfortable and convenient option for long-term bladder drainage.
They may reduce the risk of UTIs compared to indwelling urethral catheters.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administering pre-operative medications does not address the client's expressed desire regarding resuscitation. It is a necessary step in preparing the client for surgery, but it does not directly relate to their preferences for end-of-life care.
Fulfilling this task does not ensure that the client's wishes are communicated to the appropriate healthcare providers, potentially leading to unwanted resuscitative efforts if the client's condition deteriorates during surgery.
It is crucial for the nurse to prioritize the client's autonomy and right to self-determination regarding their healthcare choices.
Choice B rationale:
Informing the physician after the surgery is complete is not timely and could result in the client's wishes not being respected.
The physician needs to be aware of the client's resuscitation preferences before the procedure begins to ensure that care aligns with their wishes.
Delaying communication could lead to ethical and legal dilemmas if resuscitation is attempted against the client's expressed desires.
Choice C rationale:
This is the most appropriate action because it directly addresses the client's concerns and ensures that their wishes are documented and communicated effectively.
Having a clear conversation with the client allows for exploration of their understanding of resuscitation and any potential concerns or questions they may have.
Recording the client's wishes in their medical record provides a clear record for all healthcare providers involved in their care, promoting consistency and respect for their autonomy.
Choice D rationale:
While verbally communicating the client's wishes to the operating room supervisor is important, it is not sufficient on its own.
Written documentation in the medical record is essential to ensure that the information is accurately conveyed to all members of the healthcare team and accessible throughout the client's care journey.
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