The nurse plans care to prevent a dangerous thermal environment for an older adult client who lives in a northern climate of the United States. Which client assessment data does the nurse recognize that can contribute to the risk of hypothermia? (Select all that apply.)
Has a history of alcohol abuse
Bathes three to four times a week
Has a history of diabetes mellitus
Becomes diaphoretic on warm days
is prescribed antidepressant
Has a history of a cerebrovascular accident CVA
Correct Answer : A,C,D,F
A. Has a history of alcohol abuse
Explanation: Alcohol can contribute to hypothermia as it causes vasodilation, leading to heat loss. It can impair the body's ability to regulate temperature.
B. Bathes three to four times a week
Explanation: While personal hygiene is important, the frequency of bathing alone may not be a direct risk factor for hypothermia. The overall environmental temperature and the individual's ability to regulate their body temperature are more critical considerations.
C. Has a history of diabetes mellitus
Explanation: Diabetes mellitus can increase the risk of hypothermia as it may affect circulation and peripheral nerve function. Impaired sensation and reduced blood flow can contribute to difficulty in maintaining body temperature.
D. Becomes diaphoretic on warm days
Explanation: Excessive sweating (diaphoresis) can contribute to the risk of hypothermia, as it leads to moisture loss from the skin, making it more challenging for the body to maintain a stable temperature.
E. Is prescribed antidepressant
Explanation: While certain medications, including some antidepressants, can affect thermoregulation, the prescription of an antidepressant alone does not necessarily indicate an increased risk of hypothermia. It is essential to consider the specific medication and its potential side effects.
F. Has a history of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
Explanation: Individuals with a history of a cerebrovascular accident may have impaired thermoregulation due to damage to the central nervous system. This can increase susceptibility to temperature extremes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Age-related motor deficiencies that result in self-neglect.
Explanation: While age-related motor deficiencies could potentially impact a person's ability to dress appropriately, the specific scenario described (wearing a sweater despite high temperatures) is more indicative of sensory awareness issues rather than motor deficiencies.
B. Age-related neurosensory changes that diminish awareness of temperature changes.
Explanation: As individuals age, there can be neurosensory changes that affect their ability to perceive temperature accurately. This can result in older adults being less aware of changes in temperature, leading to behaviors such as dressing inappropriately for the weather. In this scenario, the client wearing a sweater despite the high temperature outside may be attributed to diminished awareness of the actual environmental temperature.
C. Delirium related to an acute illness that is affecting body heat production.
Explanation: Delirium may indeed affect a person's cognitive and functional abilities, but the scenario does not provide evidence of delirium or an acute illness. The focus is on the client's behavior related to dressing inappropriately for the weather, which is more suggestive of sensory awareness issues.
D. Cognitive changes that diminish the individual's awareness of temperature changes.
Explanation: This option is similar to the correct answer (Option B). Cognitive changes, particularly in awareness, can contribute to inappropriate dressing for the weather in older adults. The primary distinction here is that the term "neurosensory changes" in Option B specifically highlights alterations in sensory perception.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Balance:
The Get-Up-and-Go test assesses the patient's ability to maintain balance during the process of standing up from a chair, walking a short distance, turning around, and sitting down. Impaired balance can be a significant risk factor for falls.
B. Stride:
Stride, or the length of a person's step, is not explicitly assessed in the Get-Up-and-Go test. However, the test may indirectly provide information about the patient's walking pattern and step characteristics.
C. Flexibility:
While flexibility is not a specific focus of the Get-Up-and-Go test, the test involves movements that require a degree of joint flexibility, such as bending the knees to stand up and sit down.
D. Speed:
Speed is an important aspect of the Get-Up-and-Go test. The time taken by the patient to complete the entire sequence of standing up, walking, turning, and sitting down is considered. Slower performance on the test may indicate an increased risk of falls.
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