Chapter 7

Question 1

Signs of Hyperthermia

Answer 1

• Body temperature higher than 103F
• Abnormal confusion
• Headache
• Heavy sweating or hot dry skin with no sweat
• Pallor
• Tachycardia
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Muscle Cramps
• Nausea
• Rapid, Shallow breathing

Question 2

The LPN should also provide education and demonstration regarding ways to lower body temperature safely in extreme heat.

Answer 2

This includes adequate hydration as well as tepid, not cool or cold, baths for 10 to 15 mins, or the use of a cool cloth around the patients neck. When temperatures exceed 90F the Lpn should make sure the patient is checked twice a day, either personally or by a caregiver.

Question 3

Signs of Hypothermia

Answer 3

•Shivering 
•Rapid Breathing 
•Increased heart rate 
•Increased blood pressure 
•Memory loss 
•Slurred speech 
•Decreased response 
-mental 
-physical 
•Increased lethargy it fatigue

Question 4

To help decrease chances of hypothermia

Answer 4

The lpn can encourage the patient to wear multiple layers of comfortable clothing and have blankets. If the older person has a heating unit or fireplace make sure that blankets or loose clothing are not near enough to ignite and that patient is not close enough to sustain burns.

Question 5

Concerns for LGBT

Answer 5

• Denial of or inferior health care
• Bullying, both physical and emotional
• Societal alienation
• Partner visitation rights
• Partner rights in the end of life decisions

Question 6

Emergency Situations

Answer 6

• Fire
• Flooding
• Carbon Monoxide poisoning
• Food poisoning

Question 7

Three Steps to Ensure Safety

Answer 7

1. Communication (first and most important step)
2. Survey the environment visually in a way that maintains privacy
3. Nurse should be aware of community resources to help ensure patient safety

Question 8

Safety Issues present in older adults home environments

Answer 8

-Fall Risk
-Skin integrity
-Extreme Temperature
-Mental health and safety
-Sexual Safety
-Elder Abuse
-Emergency Situations
(read pg 138 and 139 for more information on listening and inspecting for these issues)

Question 9

Reasons for increases STIs in Elderly

Answer 9

They are not properly educated on the importance of using safety precautions during sexual intercourse

Question 10

The Most Important Step to Ensure Safety

Answer 10

Communication

Question 11

In addition to the initial injury, falls for elderly patient may result in:

Answer 11

• Fear of falling
• Sedentary behavior
• Impaired function
• Lower quality of life

Question 12

The most prevalent/preventable cause of death

Answer 12

Falls