An older adult's chart documents that she has been diagnosed with ...

[RYAN BANYAN]

An older adult's chart documents that she has been diagnosed with macular dysequilibrium. Based on an understanding of this condition and the resulting vertigo, the nurse suggests that the patient
 
  a. turn her head very slowly when looking from right to left.
  b. dangle her legs at the bedside before get-ting out of bed.
  c. use the wall for stabilization when ambu-lating in the hallway.
  d. be careful to be seated when flexing or hyperextending her neck.

Question 2

A male patient reports difficulty starting a urine stream and a weak urine flow. When prompted to seek medical attention, the patient asks why, as it's obviously benign prostatic hypertrophy. What response by the nurse is best?
 
  a. You never know; it could be cancer.
  b. You should have any change checked out.
  c. Only the physician can make a diagno-sis,
  d. BPH and prostate cancer have similar symptoms.

[ecox1012]

Answer to Question 1

B
Macular disequilibrium is vertigo precipitated by a change of head position in relation to the di-rection of gravitational force (e.g., severe dizziness when rising from bed). Dangling at the bed-side and changing positions slowly will decrease the chance of injury. The other interventions do not relate to this disorder.

Answer to Question 2

D
The patient should have these new symptoms checked out. Although only the provider can make the diagnosis, the best answer is to explain that symptoms of BPH and cancer are similar. The other options do not give useful information.

[RYAN BANYAN]

TYSM

[bblaney]

Excellent