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 asks about becoming an organ donor. What information should the nurse provide?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. For organ donation to be legally valid, the donor must sign consent documents in the presence of a witness. Choice A is incorrect because while discussing with family is important, it is not a legal requirement for organ donation. Choice B is incorrect as the organ donation process involves various steps and procedures that cannot begin immediately. Choice C is incorrect because organ donation typically requires consent and cooperation from the family if the donor is unable to provide consent.

3. While assessing a migrant farm worker in a mobile health clinic, which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because muscle twitching and a rash could indicate pesticide poisoning, a serious condition that requires immediate attention in a migrant farm worker. Option A is not the priority as it could be musculoskeletal in nature and managed after addressing urgent issues. Option B, absence of a dental health provider, though important for overall health, is not an immediate priority. Option C, living with 25 other migrant workers, raises concerns about living conditions but does not present an immediate health threat compared to potential pesticide poisoning.

4. A healthcare professional is assessing a client 15 minutes after administering morphine sulfate 2 mg via IV push. The healthcare professional should identify which of the following findings as an adverse effect of the medication?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 8/min is a significant adverse effect of morphine that indicates respiratory depression, which requires immediate intervention to prevent further complications. The client may not be effectively ventilating, leading to hypoxia and respiratory acidosis. Option A is less concerning as being drowsy but responsive is a common side effect of morphine. Option B indicates decreased oxygen saturation, which is also a concern but not as severe as respiratory depression. Option D is important but not as critical as the potential respiratory compromise indicated by the low respiratory rate.

5. A healthcare provider is completing discharge teaching to a client about nutrition therapy for wound healing following major surgery. Which of the following vitamins that promote wound healing should the healthcare provider include in the teaching? (SATA)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is Vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for wound healing due to its role in collagen production. Collagen is crucial for wound repair and the formation of new tissue. Vitamin B12 is important for nerve function and DNA synthesis but is not directly related to wound healing. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health but does not directly promote wound healing. Vitamin D plays a role in bone health and immune function but is not a primary vitamin involved in wound healing.

Similar Questions

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A nurse witnesses a colleague administering the wrong IV solution to a client. What should the nurse do first?
A nurse is caring for a client who has an ethical conflict about the care she is receiving. Which of the following resources should the nurse consult about resolving the dilemma?
A healthcare provider prescribes a higher-than-usual dose of medication. What is the nurse's first action?

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