Question 1

In speaking with an older person, which question is likely to elicit the most accurate information about the individual's adherence to the medication plan?

Accepted Answer

This open-ended question allows the older person to provide their own estimate of how many doses they may have missed, rather than just agreeing or disagreeing with a statement or being asked about a specific instance of not taking their medication. This can provide a more accurate understanding of their adherence to the medication plan.

Question 2

The nurse prepares to administer vancomycin (Vancocin) to an older person.Which laboratory test should the nurse review before administering this medication?

Accepted Answer

Before administering vancomycin, the nurse should review the patient's creatinine clearance as the medication is primarily excreted by the kidneys. Vancomycin can be nephrotoxic and monitoring renal function is important to prevent toxicity. Stool culture, serum potassium, and alkaline phosphatase are not directly related to the administration of vancomycin.

Question 3

Which of the following medications correctly matches the older-person condition given, according to current medical knowledge?

Accepted Answer

Buspirone (BuSpar) is correctly matched with chronic anxiety states. It is an anxiolytic medication used to treat chronic anxiety without the sedative and dependency issues associated with benzodiazepines. The other options are not ideal due to various reasons such as potential side effects, especially in older populations.

Question 4

An older person who has an albumin level of 25 g/L takes aspirin and phenytoin (Dilantin) by mouth daily.Which adverse effect of these medications does the nurse expect because of the older person's nutritional status?

Accepted Answer

The answer of An older person who has an albumin...

Question 5

Polypharmacy may include which one of the following definitions?

Accepted Answer

Polypharmacy refers to the use of multiple medications by a single individual that may be duplicated, unnecessary, or have potential drug interactions. Having 10 or more prescribed medications or more than 3 prescribers for a client do not necessarily indicate polypharmacy, and adverse drug reactions are a potential consequence of polypharmacy but not a definition of it.

Question 6

Which of the following processes is not increased in the early morning?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following processes is not...

Question 7

Which pharmacokinetic parameter is affected most by decreased intestinal motility related to the aging process?

Accepted Answer

Decreased intestinal motility can lead to slower and/or incomplete absorption of drugs, leading to a decrease in the absorption parameter.

Question 8

Mr.Perrault, 75 years of age, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease two years ago.Over the last 24 hours, he appears to have become more confused and agitated.Which of the following should the nurse consider as a possible cause of these symptoms, knowing that Mr.Perrault is receiving medication to alleviate some of his Parkinson's disease symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Parkinson's disease medication can have adverse effects, including causing confusion and agitation. The nurse should consider the possibility that Mr. Perrault is experiencing an adverse drug reaction, which can lead to delirium. While dementia may also be a possible cause, the sudden onset of symptoms over the last 24 hours suggests a more acute issue. Worsening of dementia is also a possibility, but the medication side effect should be ruled out first.

Question 9

The nurse provides instruction about medication safety to older persons.Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?

Accepted Answer

It is important for older persons to understand why they are taking a particular medication, as well as potential side effects and interactions with other medications. This can help promote medication adherence and prevent medication errors.

Answer: A, B, and D are all incorrect.

-A: Nausea and vomiting can be signs of serious medication side effects, particularly in older adults who may be more susceptible to adverse drug reactions.
-B: Keeping medications at the bedside can increase the risk of accidental overdose or medication errors, particularly if the person has difficulty reading labels or remembering which medications to take.
-D: Taking medications on an empty stomach can increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects and decrease the effectiveness of some medications. It is important to follow medication instructions regarding food and drink.

Question 10

The relationship of biological rhythms to variations in the body's response to drugs is known as chronopharmacology.When caring for an older person with asthma, what information would help guide the nurse in planning the time to administer medication to the patient?

Accepted Answer

Since the question refers to chronopharmacology, it is important to consider the patient's biological rhythms. Asthma symptoms are often worse at night and in the early morning hours, so administering medication at this time may be more effective in controlling symptoms. Therefore, option C is the best choice, as it suggests that asthma is most distressing between 0400 and 0500 hours, indicating that medication should be administered during this time to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Quiz 14: Safe Medication Use for Older Persons