An older patient is admitted for bacterial pneumonia.The only abnormal assessment values include a heart rate of 102 beats per minute,slight cyanosis of the nail beds,and mild confusion.The patient's daughter questions the possibility of pneumonia stating,"He isn't coughing or having any difficulty breathing." The nurse responds most appropriately by saying:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The characteristic presentation of illness in older adults is more commonly one of blunted or atypical signs and symptoms.Stating,"we are lucky to determine the problem" does not give any useful information.Respiratory problems are often present early on in younger people.The lack of coughing is not caused by weakness.

An Older Patient Is Admitted for Bacterial Pneumonia