A confused but physically healthy older patient eats a diet very ...

[pane00]

A confused but physically healthy older patient eats a diet very high in cereals and breads, with fruit only once per week and little protein. How does the patient's diet impact her current condition?
 
  A) A lack of vitamin A can affect her night vision.
  B) A high-calcium diet can lead to problems with kidney stones.
  C) The lack of fruit in her diet can contribute to complaints of constipation.
  D) A high-carbohydrate diet can stimulate abnormally high release of insulin, which can add to her confusion.

Question 2

During nursing rounds, a team member notices that an elderly patient has a temperature of 99F and has been asking to void at least once per hour with minimal results. The team should:
 
  A) Offer the patient cranberry juice hourly.
  B) Notify the primary health care provider immediately.
  C) Tally the patient's fluid intake and output for the last 24 hours.
  D) Run water in the bathroom to promote urinary drainage.

[rekilledagain]

Answer to Question 1

D
Feedback:
An abnormally high release of insulin can cause hypoglycemia, which first presents in the elderly as a confused state. The patient's high-carbohydrate diet could increase her confusion. There is not enough information to support that the patient is experiencing problems with night vision because of a lack of vitamin A. There is also not enough information to support that the patient is experiencing constipation or has a high intake of calcium.

Answer to Question 2

B
Feedback:
This elderly patient has signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) and needs immediate follow-up. This would supersede the other noted interventions.