Nutrition
This protein marker has a half-life of ~20 days, reflecting LONG-TERM protein status — but is falsely low in liver disease, kidney disease, and inflammation.
What is albumin?
This white blood cell is the FIRST responder and predominates in acute inflammation.
What is the neutrophil?
This electrolyte imbalance — also seen with ACE inhibitors and K⁺-sparing diuretics — requires close monitoring.
What is hyperkalemia?
This position — semi-Fowler's to high-Fowler's — optimizes lung expansion and improves gas exchange.
What is elevating the head of the bed?
This suffix identifies beta blockers such as metoprolol, atenolol, and propranolol.
What is "-olol"?
This protein marker has a half-life of only 2–3 days, making it the best indicator of RECENT nutritional changes and response to nutrition therapy.
What is prealbumin
This thick, yellow-green exudate contains dead WBCs, bacteria, and cellular debris.
What is purulent exudate (pus)?
The most common cause of atelectasis — this material plugs a bronchus, and trapped air is absorbed.
What is a mucus plug (obstructive atelectasis)?
This breathing technique — inhale through the nose, exhale slowly through pursed lips — prolongs expiration and prevents airway collapse in COPD.
What is pursed-lip breathing?
This nursing action is required when a patient's HR drops below 60 before a scheduled beta blocker dose.
What is hold the dose and notify the provider?
Offering favorite foods, enhancing flavor, and eating with the patient targets this common cause of poor appetite in older adults.
What is decreased taste sensation / social isolation (loneliness)?
Redness, Heat, Swelling, Pain, Loss of function
what is the cardinal sign of acute inflammation
The collapse or incomplete expansion of alveoli — the most common post-operative pulmonary complication.
What is atelectasis?
This noninvasive device measures oxygen saturation — normal range 95–100%.
What is pulse oximetry (SpO₂)?
This suffix identifies dihydropyridine CCBs such as amlodipine and nifedipine.
What is "-dipine"?
This nursing action — done BEFORE any meal plan or diet change — best promotes adequate nutrition in an older adult because it identifies the root cause of poor intake.
What is assessing the older adult's nutritional status and barriers to eating (dysphagia, dentures, depression, finances, isolation)?
This is the #1 risk factor for C. diff infection — especially broad-spectrum drugs like clindamycin, cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolones.
What is recent antibiotic use?
This MOST POTENT class of diuretics — including furosemide — acts on the loop of Henle.
What are loop diuretics?
This is the EARLIEST sign of hypoxia — often appearing as restlessness, anxiety, and confusion before any physical color change.
What is a change in mental status?
This dry, persistent, hacking side effect of ACE inhibitors — caused by bradykinin accumulation — often leads to switching to an ARB.
What is a dry cough?
This vitamin deficiency causes pernicious anemia and is common in elderly due to decreased gastric acid.
What is vitamin B12?
This common hand hygiene agent is ineffective against C. diff spores — the CDC recommends this alternative instead.
What is alcohol-based hand sanitizer — use soap and water instead?
This electrolyte imbalance — the most common side effect of loop and thiazide diuretics — is managed with bananas, oranges, and potatoes.
What is hypokalemia?
This auscultation finding — along with decreased breath sounds and low-grade fever — is classic in post-op atelectasis.
What are crackles (rales)?
This life-threatening adverse effect — swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat — requires immediate emergency treatment.
What is angioedema?