An older adult is admitted to the hospital. The patient's height is 5 feet, 6 Inches (1.68M), and weigh 250 lb. (113.3kg). The nurse calculates the patient's current body mass index (BMI) as: (Round your answer to the nearest whole number.)

Crackles and wheezing indicate the presence of excessive mucus or secretions in the airways, which may require suctioning to clear the airway and improve breathing.

The presence of serosanguineous drainage on the tracheostomy dressing may indicate increased mucus production or bleeding, suggesting the need for suctioning to remove secretions or assess for any bleeding complications.

Regular suctioning is necessary to maintain a patent airway for patients with a tracheostomy. If suctioning was performed more than 4 hours ago, it may be time for another suctioning session to prevent the accumulation of secretions and maintain airway clearance. While a fever may indicate an underlying infection or inflammation, it does not specifically indicate the need for suctioning. The decision to suction should be based on the patient's respiratory assessment and the presence of respiratory symptoms.

While patient requests and preferences are important, the need for suctioning should be determined based on clinical indicators and assessment findings rather than solely relying on patient requests.

Mrs. Kalen is diagnosed with gastroenteritis and dehydration, and the arterial blood gas results indicate metabolic alkalosis (elevated pH and HCO3-). This suggests that there is an excessive loss of gastric acid and chloride ions from vomiting, leading to an imbalance of electrolytes and an increase in bicarbonate levels.

To correct the imbalance and treat dehydration, the primary intervention is fluid replacement. Administration of IV 0.9 Saline Solution, also known as normal saline, is commonly used for fluid resuscitation and rehydration. This isotonic solution helps restore fluid balance and electrolyte levels in the body.

Administration of antiemetics may help control vomiting, but the primary treatment focus in this case is fluid and electrolyte replacement to correct dehydration and the associated metabolic alkalosis.

Administration of diuretics, which increase urine output, would not be appropriate in this case as the patient is already experiencing dehydration.

Electrolyte replacement may be necessary if there are specific electrolyte imbalances identified, but the primary treatment is fluid replacement with IV saline solution.

Having the patient go home and rest without addressing the underlying dehydration and metabolic alkalosis would not be appropriate as it can lead to further complications.