An older adult client is brought to the emergency department. The client has been experiencing fever, nausea, and vomiting for the past 2 days. The client denies thirst. Urine dipstick indicates a decreased urine specific gravity. Based on this data, which diagnosis should the nurse most anticipate for this client?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A)Older adult clients are less able to concentrate their urine, and they have a blunted perception of thirst. Both of these characteristics make them susceptible to dehydration. However, fever, nausea, and vomiting are not considered normal. The client's symptoms of nausea and vomiting suggest decreased intake and increased output through vomiting, placing this client at even higher risk for dehydration. Congestive heart failure and fluid overload would present with respiratory difficulty and peripheral edema.
B)Older adult clients are less able to concentrate their urine, and they have a blunted perception of thirst. Both of these characteristics make them susceptible to dehydration. However, fever, nausea, and vomiting are not considered normal. The client's symptoms of nausea and vomiting suggest decreased intake and increased output through vomiting, placing this client at even higher risk for dehydration. Congestive heart failure and fluid overload would present with respiratory difficulty and peripheral edema.
C)Older adult clients are less able to concentrate their urine, and they have a blunted perception of thirst. Both of these characteristics make them susceptible to dehydration. However, fever, nausea, and vomiting are not considered normal. The client's symptoms of nausea and vomiting suggest decreased intake and increased output through vomiting, placing this client at even higher risk for dehydration. Congestive heart failure and fluid overload would present with respiratory difficulty and peripheral edema.
D)Older adult clients are less able to concentrate their urine, and they have a blunted perception of thirst. Both of these characteristics make them susceptible to dehydration. However, fever, nausea, and vomiting are not considered normal. The client's symptoms of nausea and vomiting suggest decreased intake and increased output through vomiting, placing this client at even higher risk for dehydration. Congestive heart failure and fluid overload would present with respiratory difficulty and peripheral edema.

An Older Adult Client Is Brought to the Emergency Department