Final answer:
The prioritized assessment for an older patient admitted with nausea and vomiting is blood pressure and pulse. This is because fluid loss from vomiting can lead to dehydration, affecting blood pressure and potentially leading to shock, which is immediately life-threatening. The Correct Answer is Option. C.
Step-by-step explanation:
An older patient admitted with nausea and vomiting requires a prioritized assessment to determine the most immediate health concerns and necessary interventions. Among the potential priorities listed, the most critical is blood pressure and pulse. Nausea and vomiting can lead to significant fluid loss, which can result in dehydration and a drop in blood pressure. This can be dangerous, particularly in older patients, potentially causing shock or affecting the perfusion to vital organs. A thorough assessment of the patient's blood pressure and pulse helps healthcare providers gauge the severity of the patient's condition, volume status, and guide further treatment such as fluid resuscitation.
Other assessments such as the respiratory system, urine output, and skin integrity are also important but would follow initial stabilization efforts, which are guided by the cardiovascular assessment. For example, adequate urine output indicates good kidney function and effective circulation, while skin integrity can provide further clues to patient's overall condition and hydration status. The priority is to identify and manage any immediate threats to the patient's life, which is often synonymous with ensuring cardiovascular stability.