Because the older adult is not as likely to exhibit the typical signs of ineffective gas exchange, the nurse is particularly suspicious of:
A)a nonproductive cough in an afebrile client.
B)irritability in a usually pleasant client.
C)pale nail beds in a client of color.
D)an elevated WBC count in an 82-year-old client.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An early sign of respiratory problems is a change in mental status. Because the physiologic responses to hypoxemia and hypercapnia are blunted in older clients, compensatory changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure may be delayed and cerebral perfusion may suffer. Mental status changes may include subtle increases in forgetfulness and irritability.

Because the Older Adult Is Not as Likely to Exhibit