Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions Related

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Assuming each of these patients was discharged from the hospital, which older adult patient is at greatest risk for decreased functional status and quality of life?

  • A. A 70-year-old who had coronary artery bypass surgery developed complications after surgery and had difficulty being weaned from meacbhirba.ncoicma/tle svt entilation. The patient required a tracheostomy and gastrostomy and is now being discharged to a long-term, acute care hospital. The patient lost their sig nificant other 3 years ago.
  • B. A 79-year-old admitted for exacerbation of heart failure manages health care independently but needs diuretic medications adjusted . The patient states being compliant with prescribed medications but sometimes forgets to take them. The patient and 82-year-old spouse consider themselves to be independent and support each other.
  • C. A 90-year-old admitted for a carotid endarterectomy lives in an assisted living facility (ALF) but is cognitively intact and claims to be the “social butterfly” at all of the events at the ALF. The patient is hospitalized for 4 days and discharged to the ALF.
  • D. An 84-year-old who had stents placed to treat coronary artery occlusion has diabetes that has been managed, lives alone since losin g significant other 10 years ago, and was driving prior to hospitalization. The patieanbitr bw.caoms /dteisst charged home within 3 days of the procedure.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because this patient had a complex surgery with complications, requiring long-term care and loss of a significant other, which can impact their emotional well-being and support system. This can lead to decreased functional status and quality of life.

Choice B is incorrect as the patient has support from a spouse and manages health care independently, indicating a good support system. Choice C is incorrect as the patient is cognitively intact and social, which suggests a good quality of life. Choice D is incorrect as the patient had a less complex procedure, well-managed diabetes, and was living independently, which indicates a lower risk for decreased functional status and quality of life compared to choice A.