An older adult who is a non-Hispanic Caucasian has a fasting blood sugar level above 130 mg/dL. Which client assessment does the nurse use to confirm a high risk for diabetes mellitus in the client?
120/80 mm Hg
Total cholesterol 198 mg/dL
Palpable peripheral pulses
68 years of age
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because 120/80 mm Hg is a normal blood pressure, not a high risk factor for diabetes mellitus. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, as it can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, having a normal blood pressure does not rule out the possibility of having diabetes mellitus, as other factors, such as blood sugar level, family history, or lifestyle, can also influence the risk.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because total cholesterol 198 mg/dL is a borderline high cholesterol level, not a high risk factor for diabetes mellitus. High cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia, is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, as it can affect the metabolism of fats and increase the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. However, having a borderline high cholesterol level does not confirm the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, as other factors, such as blood sugar level, family history, or lifestyle, can also influence the risk.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because palpable peripheral pulses are a normal finding, not a high risk factor for diabetes mellitus. Peripheral pulses are the pulsations of the arteries that can be felt in the extremities, such as the wrists or ankles. Palpable peripheral pulses indicate that the blood flow to the extremities is adequate and not compromised by diabetes mellitus. However, having palpable peripheral pulses does not rule out the possibility of having diabetes mellitus, as other factors, such as blood sugar level, family history, or lifestyle, can also influence the risk.
Choice D reason: This is correct because 68 years of age is a high risk factor for diabetes mellitus. Age is one of the non-modifiable risk factors for diabetes mellitus, as the risk increases with advancing age. This is because aging can affect the insulin production and sensitivity, as well as the body composition and function. Older adults are more likely to have diabetes mellitus than younger adults, especially if they have other risk factors, such as obesity, family history, or sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, 68 years of age is a high risk factor for diabetes mellitus.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is correct, as adjuvant medications are drugs that are not primarily intended for pain relief, but can enhance the analgesic effect of other pain medications. Examples of adjuvant medications are antidepressants, anticonvulsants, or corticosteroids.
Choice B reason: This statement is false, as adjuvant medications can have significant side effects, depending on the type and dose of the drug. Some common side effects are drowsiness, nausea, dry mouth, or weight gain.
Choice C reason: This statement is misleading, as adjuvant medications are not used instead of opioids, but rather as an adjunct to opioids or other analgesics. Adjuvant medications can help reduce the dose of opioids needed to achieve pain relief, but they do not replace them entirely.
Choice D reason: This statement is inaccurate, as adjuvant medications are not used to eliminate the side effects of opioid medications, but rather to treat the underlying cause or mechanism of pain. Adjuvant medications can target different types of pain, such as neuropathic, inflammatory, or visceral pain.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Older adult’s self-report is not the most helpful tool, as it may not be reliable or consistent in older adults, especially if they have cognitive impairment, communication difficulties, or cultural barriers. Older adults may also underreport or overreport their pain due to fear, stoicism, or expectations.
Choice B reason: FPS-R (Faces Pain Scale-Revised) is not the most helpful tool, as it may not be suitable or valid for older adults, especially if they have visual impairment, facial paralysis, or dementia. FPS-R is a pictorial scale that uses six facial expressions to represent different levels of pain intensity, from 0 (no pain) to 10 (very much pain).
Choice C reason: Pain medication frequency is not the most helpful tool, as it may not reflect the actual pain level or the effectiveness of the pharmacotherapy. Pain medication frequency may vary depending on the type, dose, route, and duration of the medication, as well as the individual response and tolerance of the older adult.
Choice D reason: Older adult's pain diary is the most helpful tool, as it can provide a comprehensive and longitudinal record of the pain experience, including the location, intensity, quality, frequency, duration, triggers, relievers, and impact of the pain. A pain diary can also help track the use and response of the comfort measures, activity, and pharmacotherapy, and identify the patterns and trends of the pain.
Choice E reason: None of the above is not the correct answer, as there is one choice that is the most helpful tool for the nurse to use.
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