Which of the following statements is true about analgesic medications for older adults?

Choice A reason: Organize the reperfusion recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) infusion is not the appropriate step, as it is a treatment for acute ischemic stroke, which has not been confirmed in this client. tPA is a clot-busting drug that can restore blood flow to the brain, but it has strict criteria and time window for its use. The nurse should not assume that the client has a stroke without further assessment and diagnosis.

Choice B reason: Determine symptom onset or when the fall occurred is not the appropriate step, as it is not the priority for this client. The nurse should first assess the client's vital signs, neurologic status, and potential injuries from the fall. The symptom onset or fall time may be relevant for the diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause, but it is not the most urgent information to obtain.

Choice C reason: Arrange for a transfer immediately to the radiology department is not the appropriate step, as it is not the most immediate intervention for this client. The nurse should first stabilize the client's condition, perform a thorough assessment, and obtain orders from the medical provider. The radiology department may be needed for diagnostic tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but it is not the first destination for this client.

Choice D reason: Perform a comprehensive neurologic assessment is the appropriate step, as it can help identify the possible cause of the client's balance problem and rule out a stroke or other serious condition. A neurologic assessment includes checking the client's level of consciousness, orientation, speech, cranial nerve function, motor strength, sensory perception, coordination, and reflexes. The nurse should also monitor the client's vital signs, oxygen saturation, and blood glucose levels.

Choice A reason: Scabies is a skin infestation caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin and lay eggs. It causes intense itching and a pimple-like rash, usually in the folds of the skin, such as the armpits, groin, or between the fingers. Scabies is highly contagious and can spread through direct skin contact or shared clothing or bedding.

Choice B reason: Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is a viral infection that affects the nerves and the skin. It causes a painful, blistering rash that usually appears on one side of the body or face. Herpes zoster is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, which can reactivate later in life, especially in older adults or people with weakened immune systems.

Choice C reason: Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells that can be caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. It can appear as a new or changing mole, a sore that does not heal, or a scaly or crusty patch of skin. Skin cancer can vary in appearance, size, shape, and color, depending on the type and stage of the cancer.

Choice D reason: Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin condition that is caused by chronic sun damage. It appears as rough, scaly, or crusty spots on the skin, usually on the face, ears, scalp, or hands. Actinic keratosis can sometimes develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, if left untreated.