Author Question: A 77-year-old patient reveals to the nurse that the patient takes several medications prescribed by ... (Read 85 times)

xroflmao · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A 77-year-old patient reveals to the nurse that the patient takes several medications prescribed by several different providers. The patient doesn't always inform each provider about all the different medications.

Which will the nurse discuss with the patient as risks of polypharmacy? Select all that apply.
1. Neuropathy
2. Poor quality of life
3. Decreased mobility
4. Difficulties thinking
5. Increased morbidity and mortality

Question 2

The nurse is planning teaching for a staff seminar regarding psychiatric medication administration. Which information will the nurse plan to discuss in the seminar?

1. Falls and choking risk are increased by psychiatric medications.
2. Sedation is a desirable side effect of psychiatric medications in older adults.
3. Standard adult dosages of psychiatric medications are well tolerated by older adults.
4. Older adults are less prone to side effects of psychiatric medications than other age groups.

JaynaD87 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 2, 3, 4, 5
Explanation: Polypharmacy in older adults often is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, impaired cognition, decreased mobility, and poor quality of life. Neuropathy is not associated with polypharmacy.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 1
Explanation: Psychiatric medications can cause extrapyramidal symptoms such as dystonias, akathisia, tremors, or pseudoparkinsonism, which can increase patient risk for falling or choking. Older adults are more vulnerable to side effects and cannot tolerate standard adult dosages as well as other adults. Sedation is not a desirable side effect because it can lead to falls, confusion, and decreased social interaction.