Author Question: John Robinson, 74 years old, complains of insomnia and of always feeling tired. He has been ... (Read 81 times)

jake · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

John Robinson, 74 years old, complains of insomnia and of always feeling tired. He has been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and congestive heart failure. What would you suggest to help him sleep better?

a. Take a long-lasting analgesic before bed
b. Take antacids before bed to relieve acid reflux
c. Raise the head of the bed so that the upper body is elevated
d. Tell him to lie only on his side

Question 2

All of the following are true about stress in an older adult's life except

a. It should be eliminated from an older person's life
b. It should be managed
c. It can have beneficial results
d. It increases with age

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

Answer to Question 1

C
Patients with acid reflux (GERD), congestive heart failure (CHF), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should sleep with the head of the bed elevated. The head of the bed can be raised by placing blocks under the head end or by other means. Response A is incorrect; Mr. Robinson did not complain of pain. Response B may be appropriate if prescribed by a physician, but simple measures should always be tried first. Lying on the side may help but is unrealistic as a long-term solution.

Answer to Question 2

A
Stress is part of life from an early age through death. Stress cannot be totally eliminated and perhaps should not be, but it should be managed and used to channel energy and achieve goals. Stress may or may not increase with age. It may increase because of pain or difficulty in doing specific things, but it may also decrease with lightened professional and family responsibilities.