Author Question: The nurse suspects that an older adult client may have pneumonia. Older adult clients may react ... (Read 109 times)

JGIBBSON · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The nurse suspects that an older adult client may have pneumonia. Older adult clients may react differently to infectious processes, so the nurse is alert to atypical signs and symptoms, such as which one of the following?

a. Hypotension
b. Confusion
c. Erythema
d. Chills

Question 2

A nurse notices that his neighbor's preschool children are often playing on the sidewalk and in the street unsupervised and repeatedly takes them back to their home and talks with the parent available, but the situation continues.

What immediate action by the nurse is mandated by law? a. Talk with both parents about safety needs of their children.
b. Contact the appropriate community child protection agency.
c. Tell the parents that the authorities will be contacted shortly.
d. Take pictures of the children to support the overt child abuse.

TheDev123 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
An infection in older adults may not demonstrate typical signs and symptoms. Atypical symp-toms such as confusion, incontinence, or agitation may be the only symptoms of an infectious illness. An unexplained increased heart rate, confusion, or generalized fatigue may be the only symptoms of pneumonia in the older adult client.
Hypotension is not one of the atypical symptoms of an older adult who is experiencing infection. It may be a symptom of a systemic infection related to an elevation in body temperature (regard-less of age).
Erythema is a typical symptom of a localized infection.
Chills are a typical symptom of a systemic infection.

Answer to Question 2

B
The nurse has a duty to report this situation to protect the children. Any health care professional who does not report suspected child abuse or neglect may be liable for civil or criminal legal action. The person making the report has legal immunity if the report is made in good faith. Talking with the parents is not mandated by law. There is no obligation to tell the parents that they will be reported to authorities. There is no obligation for the nurse to take pictures of the children.