Exam 2 - Chapter 15

Question 1

what is considered a geriatric syndrome?

Answer 1

dehydration

Question 2

which conditions are associated with dehydration?

Answer 2

• diabetes
• heart failure
• respiratory diseases
• fraility

Question 3

dehydration is a risk factor for which conditions?

Answer 3

• delirium
• constipation
• delayed wound healing
• renal failure
• electrolyte imbalances

Question 4

what are the reasons for increased risk of dehydration in old age?

Answer 4

• decreased water-body ratio
• cognitive impairment
• increased incontinence
• polypharmacy
• diminished thirst sense
• reduced likelihood of self-hydration (dependence)

Question 5

categories of patients who cannot hydrate themselves

Answer 5

• can drink
• won’t drink
• can’t drink
• end of life

Question 6

patients who can drink are capable of consuming fluids

Answer 6

true

Question 7

what problems do those who can drink have?

Answer 7

• forgetfulness
• uneducated on importance of daily fluids
• inaccessibility

Question 8

patients who can’t drink are physically incapable or have swallowing disorders

Answer 8

true

Question 9

what are the interventions for those who can’t drink?

Answer 9

• dysphagia prevention interventions
• use of straws, sippy cups, or sports bottles
• safe swallowing techniques
• oral care
• consuming foods rich in fluid (smoothies)

Question 10

patients who won’t drink have the highest risk for dehydration

Answer 10

true

Question 11

what are the challenges with those who won’t drink?

Answer 11

• refusal to drink
• fear of incontinence

Question 12

what are the interventions for those who won’t drink?

Answer 12

• offer small amounts of liquid frequently
• implement toileting programs
• educate on maintaining fluid intake

Question 13

patients who are terminally ill will have any type of dehydration problem

Answer 13

true

Question 14

terminally ill patients with dehydration problems are dependent on family members and advance directives

Answer 14

true

Question 15

signs of dehydration

Answer 15

• decreased skin turgor
• dry mucous membranes
• speech incoherence
• tachycardia
• decreased UOP
• dark urine
• weakness
• dry axilla
• sunken eyes
• decreased weight

Question 16

what are some age-related changes that affect hydration status?

Answer 16

• decreased thirst sensation
• decrease water-body ratio
• decreased ability of kidneys to concentrate urine

Question 17

the are more adults who are 81 and older that are dehydrated than other older adult age groups

Answer 17

true

Question 18

dehydration is best confirmed with lab testing (electrolyte levels)

Answer 18

true

Question 19

general interventions for dehydration

Answer 19

• ≥1500 mL
• encourage with medications
• provide preferred fluids (along with water)
• frequent
• verbal reminders
• easily accessible

Question 20

types of fluid quality

Answer 20

• water
• milk, juice, non-salty soups
• coffee and tea
• alcohol

Question 21

which is the worst fluid quality?

Answer 21

alcohol

Question 22

which medications are risk factors for dehydration?

Answer 22

• diuretics
• laxatives
• ACE inhibitors
• psychotropics

Question 23

how can the nurse promote oral health?

Answer 23

• encourage annual dental exams
• modify the toothbrush (when manual dexterity is impaired)
• adequate fluids (1500mL)
• avoid dry mouth (from medications, alcohol, tobacco)