Which of the following is considered a vital sign?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Body temperature is considered a vital sign because it reflects the body's ability to maintain homeostasis. It provides crucial information about the body's metabolic rate and overall health status. Monitoring body temperature helps in detecting infections, inflammation, and other medical conditions. On the other hand, orientation, telemetry, and glycemic index are not considered vital signs. Orientation refers to mental status, telemetry is a method of monitoring physiological parameters remotely, and glycemic index is related to blood sugar levels, but not typically considered a vital sign.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because difficulty swallowing liquids can indicate dehydration as it may be challenging for the resident to consume enough fluids. This can lead to insufficient hydration levels. A: Drinking more than six 8-ounce glasses of liquids per day is not necessarily a warning sign of dehydration; it could indicate proper hydration. C: Drinking a lot of fluids at meals does not necessarily indicate dehydration but could be a healthy habit. D: Increased urinary output can be a sign of proper hydration as the body is eliminating excess fluids.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises help strengthen pelvic floor muscles, improving bladder control and promoting normal elimination. This is essential for residents with urinary incontinence issues. Encouraging residents to finish urinating quickly (B) is not beneficial as it may lead to incomplete emptying. Having female residents lie flat on their backs when urinating (C) is not practical or recommended. Discouraging fluids for residents who urinate frequently (D) can lead to dehydration and exacerbate urinary issues.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prevents the loss of too much water. The integumentary system includes the skin, which acts as a barrier to prevent excessive water loss from the body. This is essential for maintaining proper hydration levels and overall health. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because regulating hormone levels, allowing body movement, and providing an environment for fetal development are functions of other body systems like the endocrine, muscular, and reproductive systems, respectively.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD is the most common type of peripheral vascular disease, characterized by the narrowing or blockage of arteries that supply blood to the extremities. This leads to reduced blood flow and can cause pain, numbness, and other symptoms. Phlebitis (A) refers to inflammation of veins, while myocardial infarction (B) and coronary artery disease (D) specifically involve the heart and its blood supply, not the peripheral arteries. So, C is correct as it directly relates to narrowing/blockage of peripheral arteries, distinguishing it from the other choices.