Answer to Question 1
B
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A Incorrect. Stimulants such as methyphenidate (Ritalin) should be given in very low doses in cases of chronic depression; to prevent insomnia, extended-release forms should be administered early in the morning and shorter-acting forms at the latest in the early afternoon.
B Correct. Buspirone (BuSpar) is safer for older adults than benzodiazepines for anxiety. Because it can take up to 5 to 7 days for the therapeutic benefit to be felt, it should be used only for chronic anxiety.
C Incorrect. Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitryptaline (Elavil) are contrain-dicated for use with older adults because of the risk for anticholinergic and sed-ative effects. Tricyclic antidepressants have been replaced with selective seroto-nin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are more effective at lower doses with fewer side effects.
D Incorrect. Antipsychotic agents such as haloperidol (Haldol) can cause extrapy-ramidal effects, especially in older adults. For long-term administration, they should be used only after a thorough psychiatric evaluation.
Answer to Question 2
B
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A Incorrect. Ginkgo biloba can amplify the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, lead-ing to an increased risk of bleeding.
B Correct. Increased fluids can combat the hypotensive effects of alpha-adrenergic blockers such as terazosin.
C Incorrect. Reduced sodium intake contributes to the toxicity of lithium.
D Incorrect. Leafy, green vegetables can diminish the anticoagulant effect of war-farin (Coumadin).
The tone of the nurse-patient introduction sets the stage for the patient interview and patient care
medication administration
Sample Exercise Program for Healthy Older Adults
Reputable Websites for Patient Education Cont.
A pacemaker in a patient’s chest.