Answer to Question 1
D
Canes can relieve stress on arthritic joints on one side. A walker can equally relieve pressure on joints on both sides. Cane tips should be flat on the bottom with a series of rings, not smooth. Older adults are tempted to save money by using assistive devices from nonmedical sources; however, regardless of the source of the assistive device, the device should be fitted to the older adult. An older adult should never try to adapt to the assistive device; an ill-fitted device can contribute to falls and injuries. Using a walker is contraindicated when climbing stairs. Impro-perly selected or improperly used assistive devices can be risk factors for falling.
Answer to Question 2
A
Feedback
A Correct. Morphine sulfate 2.5 mg IV every 2 hours PRN is a suitable dosage for an adult who weighs 68 kg because this medication, when administered by IV route, peaks in 20 minutes and has a half-life of 1.5 to 2 hours. The action of this medication peaks very quickly and thereafter begins to diminish, providing a great deal of control for the nurse. After 2 hours, the nurse can administer addi-tional morphine but must remember that, potentially, 1.25 mg of active morphine continues to circulate in this individual's blood stream.
B Incorrect. Five mg of morphine every 2 hours subcutaneously is an excessive dose for an older adult because morphine administered in this manner peaks in action at 20 minutes, and a 5-mg dose can be sufficient to cause respiratory de-pression. In addition, because the half-life is 1.5 to 2 hours, 2.5 mg of morphine can still be present in the circulation when it is time for the next dose.
C Incorrect. Oxy-Contin, an extended-release form of Oxycodone, has a peak ac-tion of 1 hour and a half-life of 3-5 hours. Twenty milligrams is an excessive dose for an older adult weighing 68 kg because it can induce respiratory depres-sion at its peak, and 4 hours after administration, 10 milligrams of medication can remain active. Oxy-Contin is also more likely to cause hallucinations and delirium in an older adult than morphine sulfate.
D Incorrect. A dosage of 0.5 mg is unlikely to be therapeutic.
When working with the patient with impaired hearing, the interpreter needs to direct questions to th
Young adults usually grieve loss of a role, such as employment or the breakup of a relationship.
Polypharmacy in older adults
A visually impaired patient is assisted by a service dog.
Sample Exercise Program for Healthy Older Adults
How would you rate your overall health?” The percent of adults answering “excellent” or ...