how does a nurse assess for dehydration in an elderly patient
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment Form B

1. How can dehydration be assessed in an elderly patient?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assessing skin turgor by gently pinching the skin on the forearm is a reliable method to check for dehydration in elderly patients. When the skin is slow to return to its original position, it indicates dehydration. While assessing for dry mucous membranes is also important, checking skin turgor is a more direct method for dehydration assessment. Checking for orthostatic hypotension is more related to circulation status than dehydration. Measuring daily weights is helpful to monitor fluid balance but may not be as immediate or direct in detecting dehydration in elderly patients.

2. A client undergoing chemotherapy expresses concern about hair loss. What should the nurse suggest?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Providing wigs and other coping resources helps clients manage the emotional effects of chemotherapy-related hair loss. Encouraging the client to cut their hair short before chemotherapy (Choice A) is not necessary as hair loss may still occur. Assuring the client that hair loss will be minimal (Choice C) may provide false hope as hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Offering medication to reduce hair loss (Choice D) is not a typical approach as chemotherapy-related hair loss is often an expected side effect that cannot be entirely prevented with medication.

3. A patient reports nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy. What is the nurse's priority action?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer an antiemetic as prescribed. Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting can be distressing for patients. Administering an antiemetic helps alleviate these symptoms effectively. Choice B, encouraging the patient to eat small, frequent meals, may be helpful for other gastrointestinal issues but is not the priority when the patient is experiencing nausea and vomiting. Choice C, providing anti-nausea wristbands, may offer some relief but is not as direct and immediate as administering an antiemetic. Choice D, encouraging the patient to rest after eating, is not the priority in this situation where the focus should be on managing the nausea and vomiting.

4. A client with pneumonia is receiving oxygen therapy. Which of the following oxygen delivery devices should be used to deliver a precise oxygen concentration?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A Venturi mask should be used to deliver a precise oxygen concentration to a client with pneumonia. Venturi masks are designed to deliver a specific oxygen concentration by mixing oxygen with room air in a precise ratio. This device is ideal for patients who require accurate oxygen delivery, such as those with chronic lung diseases. Nasal cannulas deliver a lower concentration of oxygen and are more suitable for patients with mild respiratory issues. Simple face masks and non-rebreather masks do not provide as precise control over the oxygen concentration as a Venturi mask.

5. A client is preparing for a surgical procedure but refuses to remove religious jewelry. What is the best course of action?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best course of action is to ask the client for permission to secure the jewelry. This respects the client's religious beliefs while also ensuring that the jewelry does not interfere during the surgical procedure. Proceeding with surgery without addressing the presence of the jewelry can lead to complications or distress for the client. Removing the jewelry without consent or postponing the surgery solely due to the presence of religious jewelry are not appropriate actions in this situation.

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