As you review an elderly patient’s chart, you see osteoporosis listed as a diagnosis. Which of the following spinal deformities should the nurse expect to see during the nurse’s assessment?

Choice A reason: Cyanosis, indicating hypoxia, is not typical in alcohol use disorder with weight gain and abdominal tightness, which suggest liver issues like ascites causing jaundice. Assuming cyanosis risks misdiagnosis, delaying liver assessment or treatment, critical for managing complications like cirrhosis or portal hypertension in patients with chronic alcohol use.

Choice B reason: Erythema (redness) is unrelated to alcohol-related abdominal tightness and weight gain, which indicate liver dysfunction, often presenting with jaundice. Misdiagnosing erythema risks overlooking hepatic issues, delaying interventions like diuretics for ascites, essential for managing liver complications and improving outcomes in alcohol use disorder patients.

Choice C reason: Appearing normal is unlikely with alcohol use disorder causing weight gain and abdominal tightness, typically from ascites or liver damage, presenting as jaundice. Assuming normal risks missing serious liver pathology, delaying diagnosis and treatment, critical for preventing progression of cirrhosis or liver failure in affected patients.

Choice D reason: Jaundice, yellowing of skin, is likely in alcohol use disorder with abdominal tightness and weight gain, indicating liver dysfunction (e.g., cirrhosis or alcoholic hepatitis) causing ascites. Recognizing this guides urgent liver evaluation and treatments like abstinence or diuretics, critical for managing complications and improving survival in chronic alcohol users.

Choice A reason: Normal blood pressure is <120/<80 mmHg, far below 148/92 mmHg, which is stage 2 hypertension per AHA guidelines. Assuming normal misclassifies the reading, risking untreated hypertension, leading to complications like stroke or heart failure. Accurate classification ensures proper management with lifestyle changes or medications.

Choice B reason: Stage 1 hypertension is 130-139/80-89 mmHg, lower than 148/92 mmHg, which is stage 2. Misclassifying as stage 1 underestimates severity, potentially delaying aggressive treatment like dual antihypertensives. Correct staging ensures timely intervention, critical for preventing cardiovascular damage in patients with elevated blood pressure readings.

Choice C reason: Stage 2 hypertension, per AHA, is ≥140/≥90 mmHg, matching 148/92 mmHg. This requires immediate lifestyle changes and likely medications to prevent cardiovascular events. Accurate classification guides treatment, ensuring blood pressure control, reducing risks of stroke, heart attack, or kidney damage in patients with significant hypertension.

Choice D reason: Elevated blood pressure is 120-129/<80 mmHg, below 148/92 mmHg, which is stage 2 hypertension. Assuming elevated underestimates the condition, risking inadequate intervention and progression to organ damage. Correct classification ensures appropriate management, critical for controlling hypertension and preventing long-term complications in affected patients.