The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of an older adult client who has a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Which of the following findings should alert the nurse to a possible complication of UTI in older adults?

(Select all that apply.).

The correct answer isA, B, and C.

These interventions are appropriate for a client who has impaired tactile sensation due to aging.

• Ais correct because monitoring the client’s skin for signs of injury or infection can help prevent complications such as pressure ulcers, burns, or infections that might go unnoticed by the client due to reduced sensitivity.

• Bis correct because teaching the client to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures can protect the client from thermal injuries such as frostbite or heatstroke that might not be felt by the client due to diminished thermoreception.

• Cis correct because encouraging the client to use assistive devices for mobility and balance can enhance the client’s safety and independence by compensating for the loss of proprioception and kinesthesia that might impair the client’s coordination and stability.

• Dis wrong because providing the client with sensory stimulation such as massage or music is not directly related to impaired tactile sensation due to aging.While sensory stimulation might have other benefits for the client’s well-being, it does not address the specific problem of reduced touch perception.

• Eis wrong because advising the client to wear loose-fitting clothing and shoes is not helpful for a client who has impaired tactile sensation due to aging.In fact, loose-fitting clothing and shoes might increase the risk of falls or injuries by creating friction or slipping off the client’s body.

Normal ranges for tactile sensation vary depending on the type of stimulus, the location of the skin, and the method of testing.

However, some general guidelines are:.

• Vibration sense: normal threshold is less than 10 μm at 30 Hz on the fingertip.

• Temperature sense: normal threshold is less than 1°C difference between two stimuli on the forearm.

• Pressure sense: normal threshold is less than 10 g/mm2 on the fingertip.

• Pain sense: normal threshold is less than 0.5 g/mm2 on the fingertip.

The correct answer is D.

Report any signs of infection or delayed wound healing.

This is because oral hypoglycemic agents lower the blood glucose level, but they do not prevent the complications of diabetes mellitus, such as impaired wound healing and increased susceptibility to infections.Therefore, the client should be advised to monitor for any signs of infection, such as fever, redness, swelling, or pus, and report them to the health care provider promptly.

Choice A is wrong because checking blood glucose levels at least four times a day is not necessary for most clients who are taking oral hypoglycemic agents.

The frequency of blood glucose monitoring depends on the type and dose of medication, the level of glycemic control, and the presence of other factors that may affect blood glucose, such as illness or stress.The client should follow the individualized plan prescribed by the health care provider regarding blood glucose monitoring.

Choice B is wrong because drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding caffeine is not specific to clients who are taking oral hypoglycemic agents.

This is a general recommendation for all clients who have diabetes mellitus, as dehydration and caffeine can worsen hyperglycemia and increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state.However, this alone is not sufficient to manage diabetes mellitus and prevent complications.

Choice C is wrong because eating small, frequent meals and avoiding simple sugars is also a general recommendation for all clients who have diabetes mellitus, as this can help to maintain a stable blood glucose level and prevent hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

However, this alone is not sufficient to manage diabetes mellitus and prevent complications.The client should also follow a balanced diet that includes complex carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and consult with a dietitian or a diabetes educator for individualized dietary guidance.