An 87-year-old patient developed herpes zoster after surgical ...

[faduma]

An 87-year-old patient developed herpes zoster after surgical repair of a hip fracture. The priority nursing diagnosis is
 
  a. impaired skin integrity related to immu-nologic deficit.
  b. self-care deficit related to severe pain and fatigue.
  c. risk for infection related to impaired skin integrity.
  d. pain related to inadequate pain relief from analgesia.

Question 2

An older patient had a stroke several months ago. The patient begins to exhibit dysphagi
 
  a. What action by the nurse is best?
  a. Consult with a speech-language therapist.
  b. Discuss the need for enteral feedings.
  c. Provide the patient swallowing exercises.
  d. Arrange for a physical exam.

[ciecieme]

Answer to Question 1

C
These vesicles are extremely vulnerable to secondary bacterial infections. The other diagnoses might be appropriate for some patients.

Answer to Question 2

D
This patient has started exhibiting difficulty swallowing months after a stroke, so the stroke is probably not the cause. Difficulty swallowing is a sign of esophageal cancer, however, so the nurse should arrange for the patient to have a physical exam. The patient may still need speech language therapy and swallowing exercises, but this is not the priority.