Author Question: An older patient is diagnosed with an infection but has a subnormal body temperature. What should ... (Read 131 times)

jon_i · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

An older patient is diagnosed with an infection but has a subnormal body temperature. What should the nurse explain to the patient's family as the reason for this discrepancy?

1. The temperature regulating mechanism changes with aging.
2. The patient is on medication that drops the body temperature.
3. The diagnosis of an infection is inaccurate and will be checked.
4. The temperature was measured incorrectly and will be repeated.

Question 2

A student nurse just completed giving a presentation to her class regarding elder abuse. Her focus was on characteristics of people who mistreat older adults.

What statement by a classmate would indicate a need for further education by the student?
A) Most people who abuse older adults have abused someone else in their lifetime.
B) Most people who abuse older adults are loners.
C) Most people who abuse older adults suffer from some sort of mental illness.
D) Most people who abuse older adults are financially independent.

triiciiaa · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

1
Rationale: An elevated temperature is a common sign of infection but may not be present in the frail older adult.

Answer to Question 2

D