While performing a neurologic assessment of the older adult patient, the nurse needs to consider which age-related changes?
Reaction time is slower
Pain sensation is heightened
Higher basal body temperature
Confusion is to be expected
The Correct Answer is A
A. Reaction time is slower in older adults due to changes in the central nervous system and decreased neuronal processing speed, which can impact their overall response to stimuli.
B. Pain sensation is not typically heightened in older adults; rather, they may experience a decreased sensitivity to pain due to changes in the nervous system.
C. Higher basal body temperature is generally not associated with aging; older adults often have a lower baseline temperature.
D. While confusion can occur in older adults, it is not considered a normal age-related change and should be further evaluated for underlying causes rather than being expected.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A large cluster of pustules may indicate an infection or inflammatory process, but it is not necessarily indicative of an immediate danger compared to other options.
B. Raised, tubular, white areas may represent benign conditions, such as skin tags or cysts, which generally do not require urgent evaluation unless symptomatic.
C. Beige, small brown spots are often benign, such as liver spots or freckles; these typically do not signal immediate concern unless there are changes in size or color.
D. An irregular shaped, blue mole with white specks raises significant concern for potential melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer; any atypical characteristics in moles warrant immediate evaluation to rule out malignancy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The initial assessment describes a state of confusion where the patient is awake but experiencing forgetfulness and difficulty following commands. The subsequent assessment indicates lethargy, as the patient is now sleepy and has slow responses, which aligns with the definitions of confusion and lethargy.
B. While confusion is present in the first assessment, stupor describes a state of near-unconsciousness, which does not match the second assessment.
C. Although lethargy is appropriate for the second assessment, obtunded refers to a state where the patient is less aware and has difficulty arousing, which is not accurately described here.
D. The first assessment indicates confusion, but the patient is not fully conscious as described in the second assessment, which does not align with this option.
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