Physiological Adaptation Q 75

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Mrs. Cruz, 80 years old is diagnosed with pneumonia. Which of the following symptoms may appear first?

  

     A. Altered mental status and dehydration

     B. Fever and chills

     C. Hemoptysis and Dyspnea

     D. Pleuritic chest pain and cough

    

    

Correct Answer: A. Altered mental status and dehydration

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Elderly clients may first appear with only an altered mental status and dehydration due to a blunted immune response.

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Option B: Fever and chills are classic signs of pneumonia that may appear later in the elderly. The inflammatory response results in a proliferation of neutrophils. This can damage lung tissue, leading to fibrosis and pulmonary edema, which also impairs lung expansion.

Option C: Hemoptysis is a late sign of pneumonia. Bleeding in the lungs may originate from bronchial arteries, pulmonary arteries, bronchial capillaries, and alveolar capillaries. Dyspnea may occur early, especially among the elderly. Swelling and mucus can make it harder to move air through the airways, making it harder to breathe. This leads to shortness of breath, difficulty of breathing, and feeling more tired than normal.

Option D: Cough and pleuritic chest pain are the common symptoms of pneumonia. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough with phlegm or ous, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

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