Author Question: Which of the following statements is true about analgesic medications for older adults? a. ... (Read 55 times)

natalie2426 · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

Which of the following statements is true about analgesic medications for older adults?

a. Opioids are less effective in older patients than in younger patients.
b. Stool softeners and laxatives should be used with opioids.
c. Over-the-counter NSAIDs are generally harmless.
d. The dose limit for acetaminophen is dif-ficult to reach for older adults.

Question 2

The nurse plans activities for older women born between 1920 and 1930 and who reside in an assisted-living facility. Which is the best intervention for the nurse to implement?

a. Have them bake cookies twice a week.
b. Conduct interviews for specific interests.
c. Arrange dog and cat visits from volun-teers.
d. Take them to the library for guest speak-ers.

Cheesycrackers · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
Opioids often cause constipation and necessitate bowel stimulation to prevent constipation. A bowel regimen should be instituted at the same time as opioid treatment. Because of changes in metabolism with aging, opioids have a greater and longer-lasting analgesic effect in older patients. NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney and liver damage, and drug interactions with potentially fatal results. The maximum daily dose of acetaminophen is 4000 mg, and the limit is lower for patients with kidney or liver failure and patients who use alcohol. A typical dose is two 500-mg (extra-strength) tablets.

Answer to Question 2

B
The nurse conducts individual interviews with the women to determine their interests and to avoid generalizing; as people live longer, they become more and more unique.
Because most of these women are in their 80s, were born between 1920 and 1930, and have generally spent their lives as homemakers, the nurse presumes to know what activities they will enjoy. The nurse avoids arranging group activities until individual interests are determined. In addition, the nurse must assess for allergies and individual fears of animals before exposing an older adult to a pet visit. Unless it is organized on a voluntary basis, the nurse avoids arranging visits by guest speakers. In addition, the nurse will assess each older woman before an outside visit to avoid embarrassing events including incontinence and hearing and vision problems.