A 75-year-old patient who lives alone will begin taking a ...

[cookcarl]

A 75-year-old patient who lives alone will begin taking a narcotic analgesic for pain. To help ensure patient safety, the NP prescribing this medication should:
 
  a. assess this patient's usual sleeping patterns.
  b. ask the patient about problems with constipation.
  c. obtain a baseline creatinine clearance test before the first dose.
  d. perform a thorough evaluation of cognitive and motor abilities.

Question 2

A nurse practitioner (NP) is considering a possible drug regimen for an 80-year-old patient who reports being forgetful. To promote adherence to the regimen, the NP should:
 
  a. select drugs that can be given once or twice daily.
  b. provide detailed written instructions for each medication.
  c. order medications that can be given on an empty stomach.
  d. instruct the patient to take a lower dose if side effects occur.

[Jossy]

Answer to Question 1

D
The body system most significantly affected by increased receptor sensitivity in elderly patients is the central nervous system, making this population sensitive to numerous drugs. It is important to evaluate motor and cognitive function before beginning drugs that affect the central nervous system to minimize the risk of falls. Assessment of sleeping patterns is important, but not in relation to patient safety. It is not necessary to evaluate stool patterns or renal function.

Answer to Question 2

A
To promote adherence in elderly patients, selecting the smallest number of medications with the simplest dose regimens is recommended, with once-daily dosing preferred. Instructions should be simplified. Drug dosing should be timed with mealtimes to help patients remember to take them. Lower dosing may be necessary with some drugs, but patients should not do this without consulting their provider.

[cookcarl]

Thanks

[Jossy]

Welcome