Free NCLEX RN Questions on Health Promotion and Maintenance Related

Review Free NCLEX RN Questions on Health Promotion and Maintenance related questions and content

Which factors increase the risk for hypothermia in an older client? Select all that apply.

  • A. Burns
  • B. Anemia
  • C. Alcohol abuse
  • D. Hypoglycemia
  • E. Hyperthyroidism
  • F. Poor thermoregulation
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D,F

Rationale: The median oral temperature of an older client is 96.8^{\circF}\left(36^{\circC}\right) . Environmental temperatures below 65^{\circF}\left(18^{\circC}\right) may cause a serious drop in core body temperature to 95^{\circF}\left(35^{\circC}\right) or less in the older client. Numerous factors increase the risk of hypothermia in the older client, including conditions that increase heat loss (e.g., burns); conditions that decrease heat production such as hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, or anemia; medications or substances that interfere with thermoregulation, such as alcohol; or thermoregulatory impairment (failure to sense cold).