The nurse assessing a 90-year-old patient notes that his skin is thin and turgor is non-elastic. The patient states that he always seems to be cold. What does the nurse know about these assessment findings?
The patient's integumentary system is within normal limits for his age
The patient may have a metabolic condition causing him to feel cold
The patient has abnormal thinning of skin
The patient should have elastic turgor
The Correct Answer is B
A) The patient's integumentary system is within normal limits for his age: While thinning skin and decreased turgor can be common in older adults, the specific combination of findings, including the patient feeling cold, suggests that further investigation is warranted rather than assuming they are normal.
B) The patient may have a metabolic condition causing him to feel cold: Thin skin and non-elastic turgor can be indicative of aging, but the sensation of always feeling cold may point to an underlying metabolic condition, such as hypothyroidism or poor circulation, which can affect thermoregulation.
C) The patient has abnormal thinning of skin: While skin thinning is common in older adults, it is not necessarily "abnormal" in the context of aging. However, in conjunction with other symptoms like non-elastic turgor and cold sensitivity, it may warrant further evaluation.
D) The patient should have elastic turgor: In older adults, it is common to see decreased elasticity and turgor of the skin. Therefore, expecting the patient to have elastic turgor may not be appropriate, as it reflects the natural aging process rather than a healthy standard.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Occurs only in the clinical area: Focused assessments can be conducted in various settings, including outpatient clinics, home health visits, and emergency departments. Thus, this statement does not accurately define the difference.
B) Involves all body systems: A focused assessment is specifically targeted and does not involve an evaluation of all body systems. Instead, it concentrates on particular areas of concern, making this statement incorrect.
C) Covers the body from head to toe: This describes a comprehensive assessment rather than a focused one. A comprehensive assessment is thorough and covers the entire body, while a focused assessment zeroes in on specific issues or symptoms.
D) More in depth on specific issues: A focused assessment is designed to gather detailed information about particular health problems or concerns rather than providing a broad overview of the patient’s overall health. This targeted approach allows healthcare providers to identify and address specific needs effectively, making this the correct choice.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Have the client smile, frown, and puff out their cheeks: This test assesses the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), not the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). While important for evaluating facial movement, it does not specifically test the motor function of the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for mastication.
B) Palpate the masseter muscles when the client clenches their teeth: This is the correct test for assessing the motor function of the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve innervates the muscles responsible for chewing, and palpating the masseter muscles during clenching allows the nurse to evaluate muscle strength and function. It provides insight into the motor capabilities associated with this cranial nerve.
C) Assess constriction of the client's pupils with direct and indirect light: This test evaluates the function of the optic nerve (cranial nerve II) and the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III). It does not assess the trigeminal nerve and is not relevant for this assessment.
D) Ask the patient to turn their head left and right with resistance: This action tests the spinal accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI), which is involved in neck movement. It does not relate to the function of the trigeminal nerve, making it an inappropriate choice for this specific assessment.