NSG 4067: THERMOREGULATION
1. A nurse assesses an 82-year-old client who states, "That waiting room is so cold!" Which of
the following systems should the nurse assess to determine the source of the clients sensations?
(Select all that apply.)
A) Bowel sounds
B) Capillary refill time
C) Oral temperature
D) Respiratory rate
E) Skin temperature
Ans: B, C, E
Feedback:
The age-related changes that impact the older adult's response to cold include inefficient
vasoconstriction, decreased cardiac output, diminished peripheral circulation, and delayed and
diminished shivering. There is no indication of respiratory or bowel issues.
2. A nurse monitors a group of older adults. Which of the following older adults is a high risk for
functional consequences of altered thermoregulation? (Select all that apply.)
A) 78-year-old adult with heart failure
B) 75-year-old adult with a urinary tract infection
C) 80-year-old adult with vascular-type dementia
D) 71-year-old participant in a wellness center
E) 72-year-old adult with peptic ulcer disease
Ans: A, B, C
Feedback:
A healthy older adult in a comfortable environment will experience few, if any, functional
consequences of altered thermoregulation. In the presence of any risk factor, however,
hypothermia or heat-related illness may develop in an older adult. Even moderately adverse
environmental temperatures can precipitate hypothermia or heat-related illness in an older adult,
especially in the presence of additional predisposing factors, such as certain medications or
pathologic conditions. Age-related changes, which can affect processes involved with heat loss
or production, begin during the fifth decade, and their cumulative effects are experienced during
the seventh or eighth decade.
3. An 83-year-old puts on a sweatshirt and jacket preparing to go outside where it is currently
60°F. What interpretation should the nurse give to these actions?
A) The client is experiencing a reaction to a medication.
, B) The client has decreased circulation due to heart failure.
C) The client has a dementia and cannot make decisions.
D) The client dresses to maintain an adequate internal temperature.
Ans: D
Feedback:
Older adults often report feeling cold, even in warm environments, and they generally prefer
environmental temperatures that are at least 75°F. This choice of attire seems appropriate for the
60oF.
4. A community care nurse plans care for older adults as the fall season sets in a cooler weather
starts. Which of the following clients is at greatest risk for development of hypothermia?
A) Client who lives in an apartment building
B) Client who sets the thermostat at 76°F year round
C) Institutionalized older adult with cancer
D) Older adult who has dementia and lives alone
Ans: D
Feedback:
The client with dementia has multiple risks for hypothermia including loss of sensation,
difficulty with decision, and living alone. Even in environmental temperatures of 68°F (20°C) an
older person may become hypothermic, especially if other risk factors are present.
5. A nurse evaluates the teaching done for an older adult with an upper respiratory infection
during a heat wave. Which of the following statements indicates a need for further teaching?
A) "The air conditioner increases the ventilation in my apartment."
B) "I know that having diabetes will impact my body temperature."
C) "If I have an alcoholic drink, it will affect my body temperature."
D) "I can take an antihistamine; it will not have an effect on my temperature."
Ans: D
Feedback:
Antihistamines are a risk for heat-related illness. Alcohol is a risk factor for hyperthermia and
hypothermia. Diabetes is a risk factor that affects hyperthermia.
1. A nurse assesses an 82-year-old client who states, "That waiting room is so cold!" Which of
the following systems should the nurse assess to determine the source of the clients sensations?
(Select all that apply.)
A) Bowel sounds
B) Capillary refill time
C) Oral temperature
D) Respiratory rate
E) Skin temperature
Ans: B, C, E
Feedback:
The age-related changes that impact the older adult's response to cold include inefficient
vasoconstriction, decreased cardiac output, diminished peripheral circulation, and delayed and
diminished shivering. There is no indication of respiratory or bowel issues.
2. A nurse monitors a group of older adults. Which of the following older adults is a high risk for
functional consequences of altered thermoregulation? (Select all that apply.)
A) 78-year-old adult with heart failure
B) 75-year-old adult with a urinary tract infection
C) 80-year-old adult with vascular-type dementia
D) 71-year-old participant in a wellness center
E) 72-year-old adult with peptic ulcer disease
Ans: A, B, C
Feedback:
A healthy older adult in a comfortable environment will experience few, if any, functional
consequences of altered thermoregulation. In the presence of any risk factor, however,
hypothermia or heat-related illness may develop in an older adult. Even moderately adverse
environmental temperatures can precipitate hypothermia or heat-related illness in an older adult,
especially in the presence of additional predisposing factors, such as certain medications or
pathologic conditions. Age-related changes, which can affect processes involved with heat loss
or production, begin during the fifth decade, and their cumulative effects are experienced during
the seventh or eighth decade.
3. An 83-year-old puts on a sweatshirt and jacket preparing to go outside where it is currently
60°F. What interpretation should the nurse give to these actions?
A) The client is experiencing a reaction to a medication.
, B) The client has decreased circulation due to heart failure.
C) The client has a dementia and cannot make decisions.
D) The client dresses to maintain an adequate internal temperature.
Ans: D
Feedback:
Older adults often report feeling cold, even in warm environments, and they generally prefer
environmental temperatures that are at least 75°F. This choice of attire seems appropriate for the
60oF.
4. A community care nurse plans care for older adults as the fall season sets in a cooler weather
starts. Which of the following clients is at greatest risk for development of hypothermia?
A) Client who lives in an apartment building
B) Client who sets the thermostat at 76°F year round
C) Institutionalized older adult with cancer
D) Older adult who has dementia and lives alone
Ans: D
Feedback:
The client with dementia has multiple risks for hypothermia including loss of sensation,
difficulty with decision, and living alone. Even in environmental temperatures of 68°F (20°C) an
older person may become hypothermic, especially if other risk factors are present.
5. A nurse evaluates the teaching done for an older adult with an upper respiratory infection
during a heat wave. Which of the following statements indicates a need for further teaching?
A) "The air conditioner increases the ventilation in my apartment."
B) "I know that having diabetes will impact my body temperature."
C) "If I have an alcoholic drink, it will affect my body temperature."
D) "I can take an antihistamine; it will not have an effect on my temperature."
Ans: D
Feedback:
Antihistamines are a risk for heat-related illness. Alcohol is a risk factor for hyperthermia and
hypothermia. Diabetes is a risk factor that affects hyperthermia.
