Author Question: An older client is experiencing symptoms that the client feels are associated with aging. The client ... (Read 57 times)

shofmannx20 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

An older client is experiencing symptoms that the client feels are associated with aging. The client says that the symptoms are similar to those of a friend who has diabetes mellitus but the client is not thirsty.

What should the nurse respond to the client?

1. Older clients do not get diabetes.
2. Thirst is diminished in the older client.
3. The best indication of diabetes mellitus is urinary incontinence in the older client.
4. Do you have blurred vision?

Question 2

Following a thyroidectomy, the client complains to the nurse that she is having leg spasms and cramps. The nurse realizes that these symptoms could indicate:

1. postanesthesia reaction.
2. potassium depletion.
3. damage to the parathyroid glands during surgery.
4. damage to the cervical nerves.

amanda_14 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 2

1. Older clients do get diabetes and do not seek care because the symptoms are very similar to normal aging changes.
2. The client might have diabetes and might not complain of thirst because older clients do not experience thirst as often as do younger clients.
3. Urinary incontinence is a symptom that many older clients experience. The best indicator will be diagnostic tests.
4. Blurred vision can be a part of aging or a sign of high blood glucose.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 3

1. Anesthesia would not cause the spasms.
2. Hypokalemia might manifest as leg cramps, but they are more likely caused by the surgery.
3. During a thyroidectomy, the parathyroid glands (which lie under the thyroid gland and regulate calcium balance) can be accidentally damaged or removed. The resulting low serum calcium could lead to tetany, reflected by the leg spasm and cramps.
4. Cervical nerve damage would not cause the spasms.