An older adult is worried about potassium intake. What does the ...

[abarnes]

An older adult is worried about potassium intake. What does the nurse teach this patient?
 
  a. Unless you take a diuretic, don't worry about potassium.
  b. You should take a daily potassium sup-plement.
  c. You should try to get all your potassium through food.
  d. Potassium is not a nutrient people gener-ally worry about.

Question 2

A patient smokes. What advice does the nurse give this patient for safety?
 
  a. Do not smoke inside the house.
  b. Install working smoke detectors.
  c. Only smoke during the daytime.
  d. Install carbon monoxide detectors.

[Sammyo]

Answer to Question 1

C
The guidelines for nutrition and older individuals state that potassium intake (4700 mg/day) should be ingested through food. Some people do need a supplement, for instance, those on po-tassium-wasting diuretics. Potassium is a vital nutrient, important in electrical conduction and muscle function.

Answer to Question 2

A
Smoking has been related to house fires for many years. The nurse can provide many suggestions, but not smoking inside at all is the safest option. Smoke detectors work after a fire has started. Smoking during the daytime does not eliminate the possibility of falling asleep while smoking. Carbon monoxide detectors are important but not related to fire.