The nurse is admitting a client who reports symptoms of dyspnea. The nurse notes edema of the upper arms, face, and neck. What is the nurse's priority assessment?
Degree of upper body vasculature observed.
Arm circumference and degree of edema.
Blood pressure and heart rate.
Peripheral sensation and movement of upper extremities.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Assessing the degree of upper body vasculature may provide some information, but it does not directly address the client's current symptoms or vital status.
B. Measuring arm circumference and evaluating the degree of edema are important for understanding the extent of swelling but do not assess the client’s hemodynamic stability or respiratory status.
C. Blood pressure and heart rate are critical assessments in this scenario, especially considering the client’s dyspnea and upper body edema. Changes in these vital signs can indicate potential respiratory distress, compromised cardiac function, or anaphylaxis, which requires immediate intervention.
D. While assessing peripheral sensation and movement is important for overall neurological function, it is not a priority in this context compared to assessing vital signs that can directly affect the client’s stability.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Rinsing the mouth with mouthwash is not sufficient for managing oral lesions, and some mouthwashes may contain alcohol that can further irritate the lesions; therefore, this intervention is inadequate.
B. Performing mouth care before and after every meal can help minimize discomfort, remove debris, and maintain oral hygiene, which is crucial for someone with painful oral lesions to encourage better nutritional intake.
C. Offering three meals with a bedtime snack may not be effective if the client is unable to eat comfortably; focusing on smaller, more frequent meals or nutrient-dense options may be more beneficial.
D. While assessing oral pain is important, it should occur more frequently than once per shift to ensure ongoing management and adjustment of care based on the client’s comfort and needs.