Author Question: Why is self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs hazardous to the older adult? (Select all ... (Read 61 times)

joe · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

Why is self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs hazardous to the older adult? (Select all that apply.)

a. OTC drugs can increase the effect of a prescribed drug.
b. OTC drugs can interfere with the efficacy of a prescribed drug.
c. OTC drugs can mask significant symptoms of primary disease.
d. OTC drugs are easily obtained.
e. OTC drugs can lead to overdose because they are not considered to be real drugs.

Question 2

The nurse crushes a pill and disguises the dose in the mashed potatoes of a resident in a long-term care facility who previously refused the drug. It is then fed to the patient by the nursing assistant.

This should be considered an error because it __________. (Select all that apply.)
a. violates the patient's right to refuse medication
b. involves delegation of medication administration to the nursing assistant
c. increases the amount of time for the drug administration pass
d. becomes impossible to confirm the patient received the entire dose
e. alters the food

samiel-sayed · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, B, C, E
OTC drugs can increase the effect of a prescribed drug, interfere with the efficacy of a prescribed drug, mask symptoms of primary diseases, and cause overdose. The fact that OTC drugs are easily obtained is a benefit, not a hazard, unless abused.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, B, D
Hiding a dose of drug in a food serving that the patient had previously refused is unethical. Delegating the administration of a drug to a nonqualified person is illegal, and because there is no guarantee the entire serving of food will be consumed, the intended dose may not be delivered.