An older patient with a terminal illness is extremely thin and is ...

[Themember4]

An older patient with a terminal illness is extremely thin and is prescribed to use oxygen via a face mask at home. Which is the priority nursing consideration to ensure the patient's oxygenation needs are met?
 
  A) Ensure a tight seal around the face mask.
  B) Maintain the patency of the nasal passages.
  C) Observe the patient for signs of pneumonia.
  D) Educate the family about risks of oxygen use.

Question 2

Hospital management is reviewing departmental statistics. Which of the following departments most likely has the highest death rate of patients over age 65, and why?
 
  A) Oncology, because the elderly have been exposed to more carcinogens in their long lifetimes
  B) Cardiology, because, despite a decline in recent years, heart disease remains the number one cause of death among the elderly
  C) Endocrinology, because the elderly already have compromised immune systems
  D) Neurology, because stroke and Alzheimer's disease together cause more deaths of the elderly than any other conditions

[jointhecircus]

Answer to Question 1

A
Feedback:
If the patient is emaciated, a face mask may leak. The proper administration is the first consideration and would supersede family education and potential pneumonia. Nasal passages need not necessarily remain patent with the use of a face mask.

Answer to Question 2

B
Feedback:
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among persons 65 years of age and older.

[Themember4]

TYSM

[covalentbond]

Great answer, keep it coming