Author Question: A student nurse is helping admit a 77-year-old man to the surgical floor of an acute care hospital. ... (Read 39 times)

cookcarl · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

A student nurse is helping admit a 77-year-old man to the surgical floor of an acute care hospital. The patient has an abdominal tumor that is scheduled to be removed. He has had nothing by mouth (NPO) since midnight in preparation for his surgery.

The student nurse notes that the patient's skin is very dry and scaly. Which of the following should the student nurse investigate further as the most likely cause for the patient's dry skin? a. Excess humidity in the patient's living environment
b. The use of excessive soap when bathing
c. Lack of sun exposure leading to decreased stimulation of sweat glands
d. Decreased levels of stress

Question 2

The patient is recovering from a cerebrovascular accident (stroke). The patient is having problems with balance and coordination. The patient asks the nurse what part of the brain has been damaged. How should the nurse respond?

a. The hypothalamus has been damaged.
b. The cerebellum has been damaged.
c. The thalamus has been damaged.
d. The medulla oblongata has been damaged.

mceravolo · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
Excessively dry skin is common in older adults and persons who use excessive amounts of soap during bathing. Other factors causing dry skin include lack of humidity, exposure to sun, smoking, stress, excessive perspiration, and dehydration. Excessive dryness worsens existing skin conditions.

Answer to Question 2

B
Damage to the cerebellum causes problems with balance, and motor impairment is directly related to the amount of destruction of the motor strip. The hypothalamus controls temperature. The thalamus controls the five senses: hearing, seeing, taste, smell, and touch. The medulla oblongata is part of the brainstem and controls breathing, heart rate, and digestion.