The nurse is providing education to a group of geriatric nurses ...

[jho37]

The nurse is providing education to a group of geriatric nurses regarding drug therapy in the elderly. Which response by a member of the group demonstrates a need for further teaching?
 
  a. Elderly persons take 31 of the nation's prescribed drugs.
  b. Elderly persons experience more adverse drug reactions.
  c. Elderly persons are more sensitive to drugs than younger adults.
  d. Elderly persons have a greater tolerance to medications than younger adults.

Question 2

A nurse understands the pharmacokinetics associated with medications in the elderly.
 
  Which laboratory finding would the nurse associate with the greatest risk of increased drug effects in the geriatric patient who is taking a drug that is highly protein bound?
  a. Low serum albumin level
  b. High serum albumin levels
  c. Low serum creatinine levels
  d. Increased gastric pH

[lorealeza]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Elderly persons do not have a greater tolerance to medication than younger adults; this statement is indicative of a need for further education.
Elderly persons do take 31 of the nation's prescribed drugs; this statement indicates that no further education is required.
Elderly persons do experience more adverse drug reactions; this statement indicates that no further education is required.
Elderly persons are more sensitive to drugs than younger adults; thus this statement indicates that no further education is required.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Reduced albumin levels in older adults can result in an increase in the levels of free drug in the system, creating more intense drug effects.
A high albumin level would not affect the intensity of a drug.
Low serum creatinine levels would not affect the intensity of a drug.
Increased gastric acid would not affect the intensity of a drug but may destroy it in the gut if it is acid labile.

[jho37]

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[lorealeza]

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