Author Question: One of your older adult patients is abusing laxatives. An appropriate intervention for reducing this ... (Read 37 times)

anjilletteb · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

One of your older adult patients is abusing laxatives. An appropriate intervention for reducing this chronic laxative use and dependency would be for you to:

1. advise the patient to take a laxative once weekly.
2. stop the patient from taking any laxatives.
3. have the patient take an enema instead of a laxative.
4. have the patient drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.

Question 2

The nurse is discussing with a patient the key points about taking an over-the-counter (OTC) medication. The nurse should include which of the following information?

1. The medicine will maintain its potency for 3 months after the expiration date.
2. Take the medicine until it is finished.
3. If symptoms persist, stop treating yourself and see your doctor.
4. Adjust the dosage to your specific needs.

Amiracle · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

4
Older adult patients should be taught non-drug measures to prevent constipation, such as in-creasing fluid intake to 6 to 8 glasses of water a day if permitted and tolerated.

Answer to Question 2

3
There are some basic facts health care providers should tell patients about OTC products. In par-ticular, if they do not get well, they should stop treating themselves and talk with a health care professional.