35. Assessment of an older adult with pneumonia will often reveal:
Select all that apply.
. Anorexia and changes in behavior.
. Headache and difficulty breathing.
. Muscle aches and fever.
. Nonproductive cough and chest pain.
. Afebrile and productive cough.
Test-Taking Tip
The typical sign of pneumonia is often not present in the older adult (high fever). Look for less specific symptoms (Answer 1) and a choice consistent with the altered thermoregulatory system in the older adult.
Content Area: Geriatrics, Respiratory; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Assessment; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Physiological Adaptation/Alterations in Body Systems
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Answer 1 is correct because the signs of pneumonia are more subtle and subjective and are related to developing sepsis. Answer 2 is incorrect because headache is not common; respiratory rate increases. Answer 3 is incorrect because the older adult typically has no fever with pneumonia. Answer 4 is incorrect because the client may have increased sputum and no chest (pleuritic) pain. Answer 5 is correct because sputum will be increased, causing a productive cough. The older adult often has a subnormal temperature, so that the temperature with an infection is often not elevated.