An older adult client's skin feels warm and the client has a temperature of 101.2° F (38.4° C). The nurse further assesses that the client has a reddened tongue, dry mucous membranes, and inelastic skin turgor. Which serum laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely?

Protein.

Hemoglobin.

White blood cell count

Sodium.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   While protein levels are important in assessing overall nutritional status and can indicate conditions like malnutrition or liver disease, they are not the primary focus in the context of fever, dry mucous membranes, and skin turgor changes.
B.   Hemoglobin levels are crucial for assessing anemia and overall oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Although dehydration can potentially concentrate hemoglobin levels, it is not the primary laboratory value to monitor in the context of the acute symptoms
C.   The white blood cell count is important for diagnosing infections and understanding the body's response to illness. However, in this scenario, the primary concern is dehydration, which is not directly measured by WBC count. While an elevated WBC could indicate an infection contributing to the fever, it is not the primary laboratory value to monitor for fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
D.   Sodium is a key electrolyte that can be significantly affected by dehydration. Dry mucous membranes, inelastic skin turgor, and a fever suggest potential fluid loss and dehydration, which can lead to imbalances in sodium levels. Monitoring sodium levels is crucial because dehydration often results in elevated sodium concentrations (hypernatremia), which can have serious implications for the client’s health.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Asking the client to describe their feelings provides an opportunity to explore their symptoms in more detail, which might help in understanding their pain better. This approach respects the client's experience and opens a dialogue to assess their discomfort more accurately, especially if they are not expressing it verbally or are having difficulty quantifying it.
B. Administering medication without further assessment might be premature. The client's denial of pain and the presence of grimacing and guarding behavior suggest that there may be underlying discomfort, but it's crucial to assess the situation more thoroughly before administering medication.
C. While documenting the client’s verbal denial of pain is important, it should not be the only action taken. The client's non-verbal cues such as grimacing and guarding behavior suggest that they might be experiencing pain despite their verbal denial.
D. Confronting the client could be perceived as accusatory and might make them feel defensive or uncomfortable. It's important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding rather than confrontation.

A. Use a belt restraint to secure the client in the chair. B. Empty the client's urinary drainage bag. C. Reposition the client's urinary drainage bag. D. Elevate the client's feet higher on the foot rests.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Using a belt restraint is generally not recommended unless specifically ordered for safety reasons, as it may not be appropriate or necessary in all cases. Restraints should only be used when absolutely needed and when all other methods of ensuring safety have been considered.
B. Emptying the urinary drainage bag before moving the client is important to prevent overflows and ensure that the bag does not become a source of discomfort or potential infection. However, this step might not always be immediately necessary unless the bag is full or the client’s comfort and hygiene are at risk.
C. Repositioning the urinary drainage bag is crucial for ensuring that the bag remains below the level of the bladder and is not subject to kinks or obstructions. This helps prevent backflow and potential infections. Proper positioning also contributes to the client’s comfort and dignity, making this a priority before moving the client.
D. Elevating the client’s feet on the footrests is important for their comfort and to prevent swelling or pressure sores, especially if the client has limited mobility or circulatory issues. Proper positioning can prevent discomfort and promote better circulation, which is essential for maintaining the client’s well- being during transport.

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An older adult client's skin feels warm and the client has a temperature of 101.2° F (38.4° C). The nurse further assesses that the client has a reddened tongue, dry mucous membranes, and inelastic skin turgor. Which serum laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

An older adult client grimaces and demonstrates guarding behavior, but denies experiencing pain when asked by the nurse to rate the pain on a numeric scale. Which action should the nurse take next?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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