Which term will the nurse use to document the patient’s age-related hearing loss?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. The antipyretic medication will not inhibit bacterial growth within the culture tubes. Antipyretics are medications that reduce fever by affecting the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates body temperature. They do not have any antibacterial effect.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Venous distension is not greater because of fluid retention from hyperthermia. Venous distension is the swelling of the veins due to increased pressure or volume of blood. Hyperthermia is the condition of having a body temperature above the normal range. It can cause dehydration, not fluid retention.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Elevated temperatures do not slow metabolic rate and improve blood oxygenation. Elevated temperatures increase metabolic rate and demand more oxygen. This can lead to tissue hypoxia, acidosis, and organ damage.

Choice D reason: This is correct. The causative organism is most prevalent during a spike in temperature. A spike in temperature is a sudden rise in body temperature that indicates an infection. Drawing a blood culture before giving an antipyretic medication can help identify the type and number of bacteria in the blood. This can guide the appropriate antibiotic therapy and monitor the response to treatment.

Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because presence of pedal pulses and intact sensation is the most important bath time assessment of the diabetic patient. Pedal pulses are the pulses that can be felt on the top or side of the foot, and they indicate the blood flow to the lower extremities. Intact sensation is the ability to feel touch, pain, temperature, and vibration on the skin, and it indicates the nerve function of the lower extremities. Diabetic patients are at risk of developing peripheral vascular disease and peripheral neuropathy, which can impair the blood flow and nerve function of the lower extremities, and lead to ulcers, infections, or amputations. The nurse should assess the pedal pulses and intact sensation of the diabetic patient regularly, especially before and after bathing, to monitor for any signs of complications or deterioration.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because presence of fingernail clubbing is not the most important bath time assessment of the diabetic patient. Fingernail clubbing is a condition where the nails become curved and enlarged, and the nail bed becomes soft and spongy. It is a sign of chronic hypoxia or low oxygen levels in the blood, and it can be associated with various diseases such as lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, or congenital heart defects. However, it is not a common or specific complication of diabetes, and it does not pose an immediate risk of harm or injury to the diabetic patient.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because presence of abdominal rebound tenderness is not the most important bath time assessment of the diabetic patient. Abdominal rebound tenderness is a sign of peritoneal inflammation, which is the inflammation of the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs. It is elicited by pressing and releasing the abdomen quickly, and it causes pain when the pressure is released. It can be caused by various conditions such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, or peritonitis. However, it is not a common or specific complication of diabetes, and it does not pose an immediate risk of harm or injury to the diabetic patient.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because presence of any petechiae or bruises is not the most important bath time assessment of the diabetic patient. Petechiae are small, red, or purple spots on the skin that are caused by bleeding under the skin. Bruises are larger, blue, or purple areas on the skin that are caused by bleeding under the skin. They can be caused by various factors such as trauma, infection, medication, or blood disorders. However, they are not a common or specific complication of diabetes, and they do not pose an immediate risk of harm or injury to the diabetic patient.