Author Question: Which finding is of highest priority when the nurse is planning care for a 77-year-old patient seen ... (Read 107 times)

K@ · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

Which finding is of highest priority when the nurse is planning care for a 77-year-old patient seen in the outpatient clinic?

a. Symmetric joint swelling of fingers
b. Decreased right knee range of motion
c. Report of left hip aching when jogging
d. History of recent loss of balance and fall

Question 2

A patient has a new order for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate for left femur osteomyelitis after a hip replacement surgery. Which information indicates that the nurse should consult with the health care provider before scheduling the MRI?

a. The patient has a pacemaker.
b. The patient is claustrophobic.
c. The patient wears a hearing aid.
d. The patient is allergic to shellfish.

emsimon14 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
A history of falls requires further assessment and development of fall prevention strategies. The other changes are more typical of bone and joint changes associated with normal aging.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Patients with permanent pacemakers cannot have MRI because of the force exerted by the magnetic field on metal objects. An open MRI will not cause claustrophobia. The patient will need to be instructed to remove the hearing aid before the MRI, but this does not require consultation with the health care provider. Because contrast medium will not be used, shellfish allergy is not a contraindication to MRI.