Questions and Answers
An older patient stopped taking prescribed antihypertensive medications because it caused constipation. How should the nurse respond to this patient?
The nurse notes that the health-care provider increased the dosage of aspirin prescribed for and older patient. What is the reason for this dosage to be increased?
An older patient is prescribed a medication dose that is half the usually prescribed strength. What should the nurse realize as being the reason for this decrease in dosage?
An older patient has poor skin turgor and dry mucous membranes. What should the nurse consider when providing this patient with routinely prescribed medications?
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The nurse learns that an older patient has been taking a double dose of diuretics and sleeping pills. What could be the reason for this patient to overuse these medications
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An older patient reports increasing constipation. Which agent should the nurse suspect is causing this patient's symptom
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An older patient has a history of chronic alcohol abuse. Which statement best describes this patient's physical status
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An older patient is waiting for a delivery of medication that was purchased through the internet from Canada. What should the nurse say after learning this information?
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During an assessment the nurse learns that an older patient is taking furosemide and Lasix every morning. What should the nurse suspect as the potential reason for this overuse of the diuretic
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An older patient is prescribed several medications to be taken throughout the day. What could improve this patient's compliance with taking the medications
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The nurse is making a visit to the home of an older patient. Which action indicates that the nurse is implementing Beers criteria?
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An older patient has several outdated prescriptions that need to be discarded. What should the nurse do to help safely remove these medications from the patient's home?
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An older patient is complaining of an upset stomach caused by new medications. The prescription reads, "Must be taken on an empty stomach" What should the nurse recommend to this patient?
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An older patient does not have a good reminder system for when medications have already been taken. Which would be the most desirable method for this patient to use?
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The nurse is reviewing an older patient's medications for adherence with Beers criteria. What should the nurse analyze each medication for? Select all that apply
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Study Notes
Managing Antihypertensive Medications
- Address patient concerns with antihypertensive medications causing constipation by discussing options or alternatives.
- Acknowledge the common side effect of constipation with certain antihypertensives and explore dietary adjustments or laxatives as potential solutions.
Aspirin Dosage Increase
- Increased dosage of aspirin may be prescribed to manage cardiovascular risks or inflammatory conditions more effectively in older patients.
- Monitor for potential interactions, especially with blood pressure medications.
Reduced Medication Dosage
- A prescribed medication dose that is half of the usual strength typically reflects considerations of age-related pharmacokinetic changes.
- Older adults may have altered absorption and metabolism, necessitating lower dosages for safety and efficacy.
Poor Hydration Indicators
- Poor skin turgor and dry mucous membranes in older patients may signal dehydration or inadequate fluid intake; consider this when prescribing medications that require hydration.
- Encourage increased fluid intake, unless contraindicated, when administering medications.
Overuse of Diuretics and Sleeping Pills
- Overuse of diuretics and sleeping pills may stem from a lack of awareness of prescribed dosage or confusion regarding medication schedules.
- Assess patient understanding of medication instructions and provide education regarding safe dosages.
Constipation Causes
- An older patient experiencing increasing constipation is likely due to the side effects of certain medications, particularly opioids or some antihypertensives.
- Identify any new medications that may have contributed to this condition.
Chronic Alcohol Abuse Considerations
- Individuals with a history of chronic alcohol abuse may exhibit signs of liver damage, malnutrition, or altered mental status.
- Understand the potential impact of alcohol on medication metabolism and adherence.
Internet Medication Purchases
- Advise caution regarding medications purchased from the internet, especially from international sources like Canada, as quality and safety cannot be guaranteed.
- Recommend consultation with a healthcare provider for ensuring the legitimacy and appropriateness of the medication.
Furosemide and Lasix Usage
- If a patient reports taking both furosemide and Lasix (which are the same medication), it could indicate a misunderstanding or miscommunication about medication usage.
- Clarify medication instructions and educate the patient on proper medication practices.
Improving Medication Compliance
- Utilizing a pill organizer, medication schedule, or reminder apps can facilitate better adherence for patients prescribed multiple medications throughout the day.
- Simplifying medication regimens where possible can also aid compliance.
Implementing Beers Criteria
- Nurses implementing Beers criteria should assess for potentially inappropriate medications in older adults, ensuring safer pharmacotherapy.
- Evaluate each medication for potential risks related to side effects and interactions commonly seen in geriatric patients.
Discarding Outdated Prescriptions
- To safely remove outdated prescriptions, guide patients in using proper medication disposal programs or in-home disposal methods that prevent accidental ingestion.
- Educate on the importance of regularly reviewing and discarding unused or expired medications.
Managing Medication-Induced Stomach Upset
- For patients experiencing upset stomach from medications that must be taken on an empty stomach, recommend alternatives like taking the medication at a different time, or discuss potential dietary changes to minimize discomfort.
- Clarify the reasons for taking medications on an empty stomach to enhance compliance.
Reminder Systems for Medication Adherence
- Using a visual calendar or setting alarms on a phone can serve as an effective reminder system for older patients regarding medication intake.
- Providing simple tools or techniques can empower patients to track their medications effectively.
Reviewing Medications Against Beers Criteria
- When reviewing medications for adherence to Beers criteria, analyze for potential risks such as drug-drug interactions, side effects, and age-related contraindications.
- Look for medications noted on the Beers list to ensure safe prescribing practices for older adults.
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Description
This quiz focuses on appropriate nursing responses to patient concerns regarding prescribed medications. It highlights the importance of patient education and alternative solutions, particularly in older patients experiencing side effects such as constipation from antihypertensive drugs.
