An older adult client has edema of the lower extremities despite ...

[lidoalex]

An older adult client has edema of the lower extremities despite being prescribed medication for this symptom. Which is the priority nursing intervention for this client?
 
  1. Discussing the finding with the client's healthcare provider.
  2. Providing the client with support hose.
  3. Reviewing the client's current medications.
  4. Documenting the finding in the medical record.

Question 2

The nurse is conducting a class on hypertension, when a client asks what the numbers in the blood pressure mean. Which statements would the nurse correctly use to answer the client's question?
 
  Select all that apply.
  1. Diastolic pressure, indicated by the bottom number, is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest.
  2. Diastolic pressure is the arterial pressure between ventricular contractions.
  3. Systolic pressure, indicated by the top number, is the result of the heart rate.
  4. Systolic pressure, indicated by the top number, reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood into general circulation.
  5. Systolic pressure is the pressure at the height of the wave, when the left ventricle contracts.

[IAPPLET]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3

The nurse should discuss the client's current medications because older adult clients might be prescribed multiple medications, which can combine to produce dangerous side effects. The schedules for multiple medications may be confusing and result in overmedication, forgotten doses, negative side effects, or ineffectiveness of medication. Therefore, the nurse must conduct a thorough assessment of the client's medication schedule and history. The nurse should complete the client's assessment before contacting the healthcare provider. Providing the client with support hose might not be beneficial or indicated at this time. Documenting the finding is important; however, it is not something that should be completed first.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1, 4
The nurse should use terms the client can understand to respond to this question about blood pressure. Diastolic pressure, indicated by the bottom number, is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest, and Systolic pressure, indicated by the top number, reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood into general circulation both explain blood pressure in terms the client should understand. While the statement Diastolic pressure is the arterial pressure between ventricular contractions is correct, these are not terms a client is likely to understand. The systolic pressure is not a direct result of the heart rate. The statement Systolic pressure is the pressure at the height of the wave, when the left ventricle contracts, while a true statement, is not one that a layperson will understand.