The geriatric nurse recognizes that the bodys homeostatic mechanisms may be compromised in the:
69-year-old with peripheral vascular disease who is visited by home health care weekly.
73-year-old with a history of chronic bronchitis who lives with family.
86-year-old who lost a spouse and is moving into an assisted living facility.
79-year-old with moderate Alzheimer disease who requires assistance with all activities of daily living (ADLs)
The Correct Answer is D
A. Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) impairs blood flow to the extremities, which can affect the body's ability to regulate temperature, heal wounds, and manage cardiovascular function. Despite having regular home health care, which helps with monitoring and managing the condition, PVD still poses challenges to maintaining homeostasis.
B. Chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that impairs lung function and impacts the body's ability to exchange gases efficiently. This condition can lead to chronic hypoxemia (low oxygen levels) and hypercapnia (elevated carbon dioxide levels), which directly affect homeostasis.
C. This individual is undergoing significant life changes, including bereavement and relocation, which can affect emotional and physiological well-being. While these stressors can impact overall health, they are less directly related to physiological processes that maintain homeostasis compared to chronic physical conditions.
D. Alzheimer’s disease leads to significant cognitive decline, which impairs the ability to perform daily activities and manage personal health. This cognitive impairment can result in a reduced ability to recognize and respond to physiological needs, which compromises homeostatic mechanisms. The need for assistance with all ADLs indicates severe functional impairment, making this patient highly vulnerable to disruptions in homeostasis due to their inability to self-manage health and daily activities effectively.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Serum complement levels are used to evaluate the complement system, which is part of the immune system and plays a role in inflammation and infection. While complement levels can be important in certain inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, they are not typically used to assess age-related changes that impact drug metabolism or the appropriate selection of pain medications.
B. The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is a key measure of kidney function. In older adults, kidney function often declines with age, affecting the metabolism and excretion of medications. Many drugs are primarily eliminated through the kidneys, and impaired kidney function can lead to drug accumulation, increased risk of toxicity, and altered therapeutic efficacy. Assessing GFR helps in adjusting medication doses to avoid adverse effects and ensure safe and effective treatment.
C. A White Blood Count (WBC) measures the number of white blood cells in the blood and is used to assess the body's response to infection, inflammation, and other conditions. While it provides valuable information about immune function and potential infections, it does not directly address age-related changes in drug metabolism or pharmacokinetics. Therefore, it is not the primary test for evaluating how aging might affect drug therapy.
D. An Electroencephalogram (EEG) records the electrical activity of the brain and is used to diagnose neurological conditions such as seizures, sleep disorders, and brain abnormalities. Although EEGs are valuable in certain neurological assessments, they do not provide information on how age-related physiological changes affect drug metabolism or how to tailor drug regimens for older adults.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. This question is specific to a potential complication of diabetes, but it does not directly assess the patient's understanding of their current health problems or the importance of self-monitoring blood glucose levels.
B. This question is about a specific laboratory result, but it does not assess the patient's understanding of the importance of self-monitoring blood glucose levels.
C. This question assesses the patient's understanding of the importance of self-monitoring blood glucose levels, which is crucial for managing diabetes. By understanding the reasons behind this intervention, the patient is more likely to comply with the treatment plan and make informed decisions about their health.
D. This question is about the logistics of medication management, but it does not assess the patient's understanding of their current health problems or the importance of self-monitoring blood glucose levels.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.