Author Question: The nurse anticipates that the normal aging process of losing neurons and shrinkage of brain size ... (Read 57 times)

APUS57 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

The nurse anticipates that the normal aging process of losing neurons and shrinkage of brain size will result in which assessment findings in older adults? (Select all that apply.)

a. Confusion
b. Slower response times
c. Depression
d. Deficiencies in short-term memory

Question 2

A patient taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor reports that he forgot he wasn't supposed to take over-the-counter drugs without prior approval and took some medication for his cold 6 hours ago.

His wife, a nurse's aide, checked and reports that his blood pressure is 128/84, slightly above his usual blood pressure. He has not noticed any other changes or symptoms. Which of the following responses by the nurse would be most appropriate? Select all that apply. a. A single dose of the cold medicine will probably be OK, so you can relax..
b. To be safe, have someone drive you to the emergency room to be checked..
c. If you develop a headache, fever, stiff neck, nausea, or vomiting, go to the ER..
d. Check your blood pressure each hour, and go to the ER if it goes over 140/100..
e. Drink more fluid to reduce the medication concentration and you should be OK..
f. If you hear ringing in your ears or have trouble staying awake, call 911 for help..

Brenm · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B, D
These are normal occurrences in aging. Confusion and depression are not considered normal responses to aging and should be investigated further.

Answer to Question 2

C, D
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors can interact with the active ingredients in a number of cough and cold medications, causing a hypertensive crisis and increasing the risk of cerebral vascular accidents, convulsions, and coma and can prove fatal. If the patient had shown a dangerous increase in blood pressure or had developed a headache, fever, stiff neck, nausea or vomiting, emergency medical treatment would be indicated. Given that he took the cold medication 6 hours ago, the chances are that if he were to develop a hypertensive crisis it would have begun by now. Continuing to monitor the blood pressure and observe for symptoms of hypertensive crisis is a reasonable response. The situation does not merit use of emergency services at this time. Increasing fluid intake would not reduce the risk of hypertensive crisis, and tinnitus and somnolence are not symptoms of hypertensive crisis.