Mr J., an 80 yr old who has had flu like symptoms with diarrhea and has vomited 4 times in the last 24 hours is seen in the ED. Mr. J seems confused and is lethargic. The nurse notes that Mr. J has dry skin, a brown tongue, sunken cheeks and concentrated urine. This array of symptoms indicates:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: dehydration. Mr. J's symptoms of flu-like illness, diarrhea, vomiting, confusion, lethargy, dry skin, brown tongue, sunken cheeks, and concentrated urine are indicative of severe dehydration. Dehydration can lead to electrolyte imbalances, decreased blood volume, and impaired organ function, resulting in confusion and lethargy. Skin changes, dry mucous membranes, and concentrated urine are also classic signs of dehydration. The other choices (A, C, D) do not align with the constellation of symptoms presented by Mr. J and are less likely based on the information provided.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased risk of falls. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, leading to an increased risk of falls in older adults. This is due to the sedative effects of benzodiazepines, which can affect balance and motor skills. Increased alertness (choice A) is not a common side effect of benzodiazepines, as they typically have a calming and sedating effect. Improved memory (choice C) is also unlikely, as benzodiazepines are more commonly associated with memory impairment. Enhanced muscle strength (choice D) is not a known side effect of benzodiazepines, as they do not directly affect muscle strength. In summary, the correct answer is B because benzodiazepines can increase the risk of falls in older adults due to their sedative properties.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Coordinating members of the health care team. This demonstrates leadership as the nurse is taking charge of organizing and communicating with various healthcare professionals to ensure the best care for the older patient. By collaborating with the wound care team, the nurse shows effective coordination and communication skills, which are crucial in managing complex cases in older adults. Assessing older adults effectively (choice A) is important but does not specifically address leadership in coordinating care. Facilitating access to eldercare programs (choice B) is important but does not directly demonstrate leadership in coordinating care. Empowering older adults to manage chronic illness (choice D) is important for patient education but does not directly show leadership in coordinating the healthcare team.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because health disparity refers to variations in health outcomes among different groups due to factors such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, etc. This definition accurately captures the essence of health disparity as it highlights the unequal distribution of health outcomes. Choice A is incorrect because it refers to cultural elimination, which is not the definition of health disparity. Choice C is incorrect as it talks about differences in expected and actual incidence, not health outcomes among groups. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses on values and perspectives rather than health outcomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because a room with hardwood floor and large windows overlooking a garden area offers a safe, non-slip surface for exercise and natural light for a pleasant environment. Hardwood floors are ideal for exercise to prevent slipping, and the large windows provide a view of the garden area, which can enhance motivation and mood. The other choices are incorrect because A has throw rugs, which can cause tripping hazards, B lacks natural light and ventilation, and D has a linoleum floor which may not be as safe for exercise compared to hardwood.