An older patient is near the end of life and the family is ...

[aabwk4]

An older patient is near the end of life and the family is concerned that the patient has a pressure ulcer because, in their view, this denotes poor care. What explanation by the nurse is best?
 
  a. You're right; we will try harder to care for her.
  b. I'm so sorry this is upsetting for you to see.
  c. We are doing the best we can to care for your loved one.
  d. Age-related changes can make it im-possible to prevent ulcers.

Question 2

Aware that older adult patients often present with nonclassic symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus, the nurse is particularly suspicious of a patient reporting
 
  a. bouts of diarrhea alternating with periods of constipation.
  b. recent problems reading and an infected sore on the toe that will not heal.
  c. periods of depression and severe indiges-tion after eating.
  d. dizziness when getting up too quickly and a red rash on the hands.

[nyrave]

Answer to Question 1

D
Age-related changes plus changes associated with the end of life can make preventing pressure ulcers nearly impossible, even with the best care. The nurse gently explains this to the family. The other statements do not give the family factual information.

Answer to Question 2

B
Often a newly diagnosed older individual will describe symptoms of fatigue, blurred vision, weight change (gain or loss), and infections. The other symptoms are not related.

[aabwk4]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[aruss1303]

Excellent