What is a significant finding that a nurse should report to the nursing supervisor when assisting an older adult patient?

The significant finding that a nurse should report to the nursing supervisor when assisting an older adult patient is hyperkalemia.

Hyperkalemia, which is characterized by elevated potassium levels in the blood, can be particularly dangerous in older adults for several reasons. This condition can lead to serious cardiac complications such as arrhythmias, which may not only pose an immediate risk to the patient’s health but also require urgent medical intervention. Older adults often have comorbidities and may take various medications that can exacerbate or cause hyperkalemia, such as certain diuretics or medications for heart conditions. Due to these factors, monitoring and reporting any signs of hyperkalemia is crucial for ensuring patient safety and prompt management.

While ecchymosis, or bruising, may indicate an underlying issue, it is often less alarming than hyperkalemia in terms of urgent health risks in older adults. Bradycardia could be normal in some older patients, depending on their overall health and medication regimen, and while hypertension is a common issue in this population, it is generally more manageable with medications and lifestyle changes.Thus, when considering the critical nature of these findings, hyperkalemia stands out as the most significant reportable condition due to its potential for immediate harm