Author Question: The elderly client comes to the clinic reporting gastrointestinal problems, including frequent ... (Read 78 times)

wrbasek0 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The elderly client comes to the clinic reporting gastrointestinal problems, including frequent constipation and indigestion but denies any recent weight loss. The nurse initially recognizes that these symptoms:

1. Indicate a concern and could be caused by cancer.
2. They indicate the need for an upper and lower GI x-ray series.
3. They could be related to normal changes in muscle tone and activity.
4. They are probably indicative of a gastric ulcer or colitis.

Question 2

An elderly client comes to the clinic after checking his blood pressure several times in the local discount store. The nurse checks the blood pressure and finds that it is 146/80. The nurse's best response to this client is:

1. Having blood pressure a little high is normal at your age. Yours is fine.
2. I'll recheck this in a while, but your systolic pressure is too high.
3. We'll wait and see what the doctor says, but I doubt he will be concerned.
4. You should be on high blood pressure medicine.

fatboyy09 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: It would be premature, as well as outside the scope of nursing practice, for the nurse to consider any other pathology.
Rationale 2: With the normal aging process, there is a decrease in muscle tone, digestive juices, and intestinal activity. These together may lead to indigestion and constipation in the older adult. It would be premature, as well as outside the scope of nursing practice, for the nurse to tell the client that there is a need for invasive testing.
Rationale 3: With the normal aging process, there is a decrease in muscle tone, digestive juices, and intestinal activity. These together may lead to indigestion and constipation in the older adult.
Rationale 4: It would be premature, as well as outside the scope of nursing practice, for the nurse to consider any other pathology.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Now, evidence indicates that a systolic pressure of greater than 140 mm Hg is as problematic in older adults as in younger ones and should be treated.
Rationale 2: Isolated systolic hypertension was considered to be normal in older adults and was frequently not treated. Now, evidence indicates that a systolic pressure of greater than 140 mm Hg is as problematic in older adults as in younger ones and should be treated.
Rationale 3: Now, evidence indicates that a systolic pressure of greater than 140 mm Hg is as problematic in older adults as in younger ones and should be treated.
Rationale 4: It would be up to the physician or primary care provider whether or not to treat. The nurse does not make this decision.