The leukocyte count of an older adult patient is elevated.Understanding the effects of aging on body functions,what action by the nurse is best?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An elevated leukocyte count can indicate infection or inflammation, but it can also be a normal age-related change. Taking vital signs and performing a head to toe assessment can help the nurse determine if there are any other signs or symptoms of infection or inflammation present. This can guide further interventions or diagnostic testing. Checking for drug allergies before requesting an antibiotic prescription or collecting a urinalysis may be appropriate depending on the results of the assessment, but these options alone do not provide enough information to determine the best course of action. Encouraging the patient to drink several glasses of water may be helpful in general, but it is not a specific intervention for an elevated leukocyte count.

The Leukocyte Count of an Older Adult Patient Is Elevated