Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Disorders of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Disorders of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract related questions and content

An older adult client presents with a complaint of 10-lb weight loss over the past month. Which assessment finding is most important in determining the care of this client?

  • A. History of seasonal allergies
  • B. History gallbladder removal
  • C. History of COPD
  • D. History of osteoarthritis
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Decreased appetite may be a result of diminished oxygenation to the appetite centers of the brain. With a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, oxygen deprivation may be occurring, and this is a starting assessment for this client. Seasonal allergies can aggravate breathing difficulties but are not as significant as COPD. Removal of the gallbladder is not indicated in current weight loss issues. Osteoarthritis may make it more difficult for the client to shop for food but not is as significant as oxygen deprivation.