An older female patient believes taking high doses of vitamin A ...

[tatyanajohnson]

An older female patient believes taking high doses of vitamin A will help preserve her eyesight. What information about vitamin A should the nurse include when responding to the patient?
 
  A) The vitamin can build up too high in the blood.
  B) Taking too much vitamin A can lead to dehydration.
  C) The vitamin can be displaced at protein-binding sites.
  D) The vitamin can build up too high in the adipose tissues.

Question 2

During the admission interview, the nurse learns that an older patient frequently experiences constipation. What should the nurse respond to the patient?
 
  A) I'll make sure that a laxative is ordered for you while you're here in the hospital..
  B) Many older adults find that increasing their activity level and taking a mild laxative daily provides relief..
  C) Constipation is usually a sign of a more serious health problem, so I'll pass that information on to your physician..
  D) There are measures that I can teach you such as changing your diet and increasing the amount of fluids you drink..

[britb2u]

Answer to Question 1

D
Feedback:
In the elderly, especially women, adipose tissue increases compared with lean body mass. Drugs stored in adipose tissue, such as lipid-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, will have increased tissue concentrations and longer duration in the body. Vitamin A is not highly protein bound, will not be stored in the blood, and does not lead to dehydration.

Answer to Question 2

D
Feedback:
Nonpharmacologic measures for treating and preventing constipation are preferable to laxatives. Constipation is a common problem among older adults and is related to several lifestyle and age-related factors; it is not necessarily a sign of a more serious illness.