What nursing assessment finding would be associated with a diagnosis of pneumonia in the older adult?
Hypertension
Acute confusion
Hematemesis in the morning.
Dry hacking cough at night
The Correct Answer is B
A. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition in older adults but is not a specific indicator of pneumonia. While blood pressure can fluctuate with illness, it does not directly relate to the diagnosis of pneumonia.
B. Acute confusion is a critical and relevant sign in older adults with pneumonia. This demographic may experience altered mental status due to factors like hypoxia (low oxygen levels), fever, or dehydration. Confusion is often one of the first signs of infection in older patients, making it a significant assessment finding.
C. Hematemesis, which is the vomiting of blood, is not associated with pneumonia. It typically indicates a gastrointestinal issue, such as bleeding from ulcers or varices, rather than respiratory problems. Therefore, this finding would not be relevant to a pneumonia diagnosis.
D. While a cough is indeed a symptom of pneumonia, a dry hacking cough is less typical. Pneumonia generally presents with a productive cough (producing sputum) rather than a dry cough. A dry cough might suggest conditions like bronchitis or asthma.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. This statement is not necessarily true for every situation. While close contacts of a person with active TB may need to be tested and could receive preventive treatment (especially if they are at high risk), not all family members will automatically need to take medications.
B. A standard treatment regimen for active pulmonary TB typically lasts at least 6 months, and sometimes longer, depending on the specific circumstances (e.g., drug resistance, extent of disease). Consistent adherence to the medication regimen is crucial to ensure effective treatment and prevent the development of drug-resistant TB.
C. The Mantoux test (or tuberculin skin test) may remain positive even after successful treatment for TB, as it indicates past exposure rather than active disease. The decision to discontinue medications is based on clinical and microbiological evaluations, not solely on the Mantoux test result.
D. While it is crucial for the client to complete the full course of prescribed medications, they do not need to take them for life. Treatment typically lasts for 6 to 9 months, and clients should not continue medication indefinitely. It is essential to emphasize adherence to the treatment regimen but also to note that it is finite.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Primary hypertension, also known as essential hypertension, is characterized by high blood pressure without an identifiable or specific medical cause. It is the most common type of hypertension, and its development is thought to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
B. This statement is misleading. While hypertension can be severe, primary hypertension is not defined by its severity or immediate life-threatening nature. Instead, primary hypertension can range from mild to severe, but the key characteristic is the absence of a specific underlying cause.
C. While treating hypertension is important, the term "essential" in primary hypertension refers to its lack of a known cause, not the urgency or necessity of treatment. This option could confuse the terminology as it does not accurately define the type of hypertension.
D. This statement describes secondary hypertension, which occurs as a result of another medical condition (e.g., kidney disease, hormonal disorders). Primary hypertension, in contrast, does not have a direct identifiable cause.
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