MEDizzy - An 80-year-old client is living in an independent living

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Altered Fluid and Electrolytes

An 80-year-old client is living in an independent living facility with home health nursing support. The client is diagnosed with pneumonia and started on an oral antibiotic. Which nursing diagnosis would be most appropriate for this client?

ExplanationThe diagnosis of pneumonia may result in fever or increased respira- tory rate that increases amount of fluid lost. Additionally, older adults have a decreased sensation of thirst. Nutrition may be affected due to a diagnosis of pneumonia, but fluid volume would be the greatest concern with pneumonia. The client’s age and a diagnosis of pneumonia could result in a fluid volume deficit, but there is no information to support that the client is deficient in fluid. There is no information to support an excess fluid volume.