The nurse is caring for an older adult who reports severe chronic pain. To best assess age- related physiologic changes that could influence plans for initiating an appropriate drug regimen, the nurse prepares the patient for which laboratory evaluation?

A. This question assesses whether the team member has the appropriate skills, training, and competency to perform the task safely and effectively. Ensuring that the right person is assigned is crucial for quality care and patient safety.
B. This question evaluates whether the task is appropriate to delegate, considering factors such as the complexity of the task, whether it is within the scope of practice for the team member, and if it aligns with the team's responsibilities. Delegating tasks that are outside the scope of the team member’s practice or too complex can lead to errors or suboptimal care.
C. This question examines whether the level of supervision required for the task is appropriate. The nurse must ensure that appropriate oversight is provided to monitor the team member's performance and address any issues that may arise during task execution.
D. This question considers whether the current circumstances or context (such as the patient's condition, the urgency of the task, or environmental factors) are suitable for delegating the task. Certain situations may require direct nursing involvement or special attention, which can affect the appropriateness of delegation.
E. This question evaluates whether the timing of the task is appropriate, considering factors like the urgency of the task, the team member’s current workload, and patient needs. Timing can impact the effectiveness and safety of task completion.

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.