A 76-year-old man presents to the ED complaining of "laryngitis." The triage nurse should ask if the patient has a past medical history that includes which of the following?
a) Respiratory failure (RF)
b) Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
c) Congestive heart failure (CHF)
d) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Answer: b) Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Explanation:
The nurse should ask if the patient has a past medical history of GERD. Laryngitis in the older adults is common and may be secondary to GERD. Older adults are more likely to have impaired esophageal peristalsis and a weaker esophageal sphincter. COPD, CHF, and RF are not associated with laryngitis in the older adult. pg.539
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