Nur 163 Study Guide Questions with Verified
Correct Answers
Thermoregulation
The body's ability to maintain a normal internal temperature.
Age-related change in sweat glands
Decreased function, increasing risk for overheating.
Age-related change in subcutaneous fat
Decreased fat, increasing risk for hypothermia.
Blunted fever response
Older adults may not develop a high fever even with infection.
Heat cramps
Muscle cramps caused by sodium loss and dehydration.
Heat cramps intervention
Electrolyte replacement, rest, and cooling.
Heat stroke
Medical emergency with temperature greater than 104°F and hot, dry skin.
Priority for heat stroke
Rapid cooling and call EMS.
Fever in older adults
May first present as confusion rather than high temperature.
,Common causes of fever in older adults
UTI and pneumonia.
Hypothermia
Core temperature below 95°F.
Severe hypothermia sign
Shivering may stop.
Hypothermia interventions
Passive rewarming, warm IV fluids, monitor cardiac rhythm.
Hyperthermia
Overheating without infection.
Medications that increase heat risk
Anticholinergics and diuretics.
Pain in older adults
Often underreported and commonly chronic.
Common chronic pain causes
Osteoarthritis and neuropathy.
Nonverbal pain signs
Grimacing, guarding, withdrawal.
Pain assessment tools
Numeric scale, Faces scale, PAINAD.
, First-line pain medication in older adults
Acetaminophen.
NSAID risk in older adults
GI bleeding.
Opioid use in older adults
Start low dose and monitor for sedation.
Non-pharmacologic pain control
Heat, cold, positioning, massage, relaxation, music, distraction.
Number one safety risk in older adults
Falls.
Fluid volume deficit signs
Dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, confusion, low BP.
Fluid volume excess signs
Edema, crackles, weight gain, shortness of breath.
Age-related fluid risk
Decreased thirst sensation.
Kidneys regulate
Bicarbonate.
Lungs regulate
CO₂.
Correct Answers
Thermoregulation
The body's ability to maintain a normal internal temperature.
Age-related change in sweat glands
Decreased function, increasing risk for overheating.
Age-related change in subcutaneous fat
Decreased fat, increasing risk for hypothermia.
Blunted fever response
Older adults may not develop a high fever even with infection.
Heat cramps
Muscle cramps caused by sodium loss and dehydration.
Heat cramps intervention
Electrolyte replacement, rest, and cooling.
Heat stroke
Medical emergency with temperature greater than 104°F and hot, dry skin.
Priority for heat stroke
Rapid cooling and call EMS.
Fever in older adults
May first present as confusion rather than high temperature.
,Common causes of fever in older adults
UTI and pneumonia.
Hypothermia
Core temperature below 95°F.
Severe hypothermia sign
Shivering may stop.
Hypothermia interventions
Passive rewarming, warm IV fluids, monitor cardiac rhythm.
Hyperthermia
Overheating without infection.
Medications that increase heat risk
Anticholinergics and diuretics.
Pain in older adults
Often underreported and commonly chronic.
Common chronic pain causes
Osteoarthritis and neuropathy.
Nonverbal pain signs
Grimacing, guarding, withdrawal.
Pain assessment tools
Numeric scale, Faces scale, PAINAD.
, First-line pain medication in older adults
Acetaminophen.
NSAID risk in older adults
GI bleeding.
Opioid use in older adults
Start low dose and monitor for sedation.
Non-pharmacologic pain control
Heat, cold, positioning, massage, relaxation, music, distraction.
Number one safety risk in older adults
Falls.
Fluid volume deficit signs
Dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, confusion, low BP.
Fluid volume excess signs
Edema, crackles, weight gain, shortness of breath.
Age-related fluid risk
Decreased thirst sensation.
Kidneys regulate
Bicarbonate.
Lungs regulate
CO₂.
