Author Question: In obtaining a health history on a 74-year-old patient, the nurse notes that he drinks alcohol daily ... (Read 96 times)

cartlidgeashley · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

In obtaining a health history on a 74-year-old patient, the nurse notes that he drinks alcohol daily and that he has noticed a tremor in his hands that affects his ability to hold things. With this information, what response should the nurse make?

a. Does your family know you are drinking every day?
b. Does the tremor change when you drink alcohol?
c. We'll do some tests to see what is causing the tremor.
d. You really shouldn't drink so much alcohol; it may be causing your tremor.

Question 2

A 70-year-old woman tells the nurse that every time she gets up in the morning or after she's been sitting, she gets really dizzy and feels like she is going to fall over. The nurse's best response would be:

a. Have you been extremely tired lately?
b. You probably just need to drink more liquids.
c. I'll refer you for a complete neurologic examination.
d. You need to get up slowly when you've been lying down or sitting.

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Senile tremor is relieved by alcohol, although not a recommended treatment. The nurse should assess whether the person is abusing alcohol in an effort to relieve the tremor.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Aging is accompanied by a progressive decrease in cerebral blood flow. In some people, this decrease causes dizziness and a loss of balance with a position change. These individuals need to be taught to get up slowly. The other responses are incorrect.