Older adults are at high risk for pressure ulcers because such ...

[PhilipSeeMore]

Older adults are at high risk for pressure ulcers because such individuals are more frequently affected by immobile and edematous conditions. Which of the following intervention best minimizes the occurrence of pressure ulcers?
 
  A) Elevate the head of the bed 45 degrees, and turn the patient every hour.
  B) Make sure the patient cannot feel pressure, and turn the patient every 2 hours.
  C) Advise using pillows on a water bed, and turn the patient every hour.
  D) Provide a high-carbohydrate diet, and turn the patient every 2 hours.

Question 2

What is the first thing the nurse should check when an elderly widower reports a sudden onset of erectile dysfunction?
 
  A) His mental health history
  B) His heart rate and blood pressure
  C) What drugs he has started taking
  D) His attitudes toward sex outside marriage

[kaillie]

Answer to Question 1

C
Feedback:
Pillows and a water bed do provide cushioning that protects patients from getting pressure ulcers. Elevating part of the bed leads to sliding, one cause of pressure ulcers. The patient needs to feel pressure and pain as a safeguard against forming pressure ulcers and as protection in general. A high-protein diet is better for patients who are at risk. Turning every 2 hours may be sufficient for some patients, but not for all of them.

Answer to Question 2

C
Feedback:
Frequently, medications prescribed to the elderly affect potency, libido, orgasm, and ejaculation. Drugs should be reviewed when new sexual dysfunction occurs. A sudden onset of erectile dysfunction is not typically associated with mental health problems in the older patient. Heart rate, blood pressure, and attitudes toward sex outside of the marriage would not be the first thing that the nurse would check in the older patient with a new onset of erectile dysfunction. These areas can be assessed later in the process.