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 B
Explanation
A) To establish a rapport with the client and family: While building rapport is an important aspect of the health assessment process, it is not the primary purpose. Establishing a trusting relationship can enhance communication and the quality of care, but the overarching goal of the assessment extends beyond interpersonal dynamics.
B) To establish a database against which subsequent assessments can be measured: This is the primary purpose of a health assessment. By collecting comprehensive baseline data regarding a client's health status, the nurse creates a reference point for future evaluations. This allows for the monitoring of changes in the patient's condition over time, facilitating timely interventions when necessary.
C) To gather information for specialists to whom the client may be referred: Although gathering relevant information for potential referrals is beneficial, it is not the main purpose of the health assessment. The assessment primarily serves to inform the current healthcare team about the patient's status rather than focusing solely on future consultations.
D) To qualify the degree of pain the client may be experiencing: Assessing pain is an important component of a comprehensive health assessment, but it is just one aspect among many. The overall purpose of the health assessment encompasses a broader evaluation of physical, emotional, and social factors affecting the client's health.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
A) Alert and oriented: Being alert and oriented typically indicates adequate oxygenation, not hypoxia. Patients experiencing hypoxia are more likely to show signs of confusion or altered mental status rather than clarity.
B) Cyanosis: Cyanosis is a classic sign of hypoxia, presenting as a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to low oxygen levels in the blood. This is a significant indicator of inadequate oxygenation.
C) Anxiety and restlessness: These symptoms are common responses to hypoxia as the body attempts to compensate for insufficient oxygen. Patients may feel anxious or restless as they struggle to breathe or feel a sense of impending doom.
D) Oxygen saturation 96%: An oxygen saturation level of 96% is generally considered normal and indicates adequate oxygenation. Therefore, this finding does not suggest hypoxia.
E) Capillary refill 5 seconds: A prolonged capillary refill time can indicate poor perfusion and potential hypoxia. Inadequate blood flow can lead to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues, making this a relevant sign of hypoxia