An older adult is brought to the emergency department because of ...

[tiffannnnyyyyyy]

An older adult is brought to the emergency department because of sudden onset of confusion. After the client is stabilized and comfortable, what assessment by the nurse is most important?
 
  a. Assess for orthostatic hypotension.
  b. Determine if there are new medications.
  c. Evaluate the client for gait abnormalities.
  d. Perform a delirium screening test.

Question 2

An older adult client takes medication three times a day and becomes confused about which medication should be taken at which time. The client refuses to use a pill sorter with slots for different times, saying Those are for old people.
 
  What action by the nurse would be most helpful?
  a.
  Arrange medications by time in a drawer.
  b.
  Encourage the client to use easy-open tops.
  c.
  Put color-coded stickers on the bottle caps.
  d.
  Write a list of when to take each medication.

[asdfasdf]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Medication side effects and adverse effects are common in the older population. Something as simple as a new antibiotic can cause confusion and memory loss. The nurse should determine if the client is taking any new medications. Assessments for orthostatic hypotension, gait abnormalities, and delirium may be important once more is known about the client's condition.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Color-coded stickers are a fast, easy-to-remember system. One color is for morning meds, one for evening meds, and the third color is for nighttime meds. Arranging medications by time in a drawer might be helpful if the person doesn't accidentally put them back in the wrong spot. Easy-open tops are not related. Writing a list might be helpful, but not if it gets misplaced. With stickers on the medication bottles themselves, the reminder is always with the medication.

[tiffannnnyyyyyy]

TYSM

[amandanbreshears]

Gracias!