A 60-year-old male patient has been treated for pneumonia for the ...

[shofmannx20]

A 60-year-old male patient has been treated for pneumonia for the past 6 weeks. He is seen today in the clinic for an unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds over the last 6 weeks. The nurse knows that:
 
  a. Weight loss is probably the result of unhealthy eating habits.
  b. Chronic diseases such as hypertension cause weight loss.
  c. Unexplained weight loss often accompanies short-term illnesses.
  d. Weight loss is probably the result of a mental health dysfunction.

Question 2

When evaluating the temperature of older adults, the nurse should remember which aspect about an older adult's body temperature?
 
  a. The body temperature of the older adult is lower than that of a younger adult.
  b. An older adult's body temperature is approximately the same as that of a young child.
  c. Body temperature depends on the type of thermometer used.
  d. In the older adult, the body temperature varies widely because of less effective heat control mechanisms.

[lkanara2]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
An unexplained weight loss may be a sign of a short-term illness or a chronic illness such as endocrine disease, malignancy, depression, anorexia nervosa, or bulimia.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
In older adults, the body temperature is usually lower than in other age groups, with a mean temperature of 36.2  C.