Which of the following is a potential complication that should be monitored for in elderly clients with anemia?

Monitoring for complications in elderly clients with anemia is essential due to the potential impacts of anemia on cardiovascular health. Among the options provided, stroke is particularly relevant as a complication because anemia can lead to decreased oxygen-carrying capacity, resulting in insufficient oxygen delivery to vital organs, including the brain. This can increase the risk of neurological events, such as stroke.

Elderly individuals, who often have multiple comorbidities, may already be at a heightened risk for vascular problems. When they also have anemia, the combined effects can further strain the body, potentially resulting in an increased likelihood of ischemic events due to compromised blood flow. Therefore, monitoring for stroke is crucial as it can arise from the underlying complications related to anemia, especially in older adults who may have lower physiological reserves and less adaptive capacity to compensate for anemia.

While fatigue and chest pain can also manifest in individuals with anemia, they may not represent direct complications but rather symptoms of the anemia itself. Hypertension, on the other hand, is generally not a direct result of anemia and may even improve as the body adapts to lower red blood cell counts in some cases. Thus, the focus on stroke as a potential complication provides the most insight into the risks associated with anemia in the elderly