An elderly patient has received a neuromuscular junction blocker ...

[MirandaLo]

An elderly patient has received a neuromuscular junction blocker during surgery. What would be an appropriate nursing diagnosis for this patient?
 
  A) Excess fluid volume
  B) Risk for impaired skin integrity
  C) Deficient fluid volume
  D) Chronic confusion

Question 2

The nurse is teaching the patient how to take his newly prescribed alendronate and includes what teaching points? (Select all that apply.)
 
  A) Take the drug in the morning.
  B) Wait 60 minutes before eating breakfast.
  C) Take the drug with a full glass of water.
  D) Remain upright for 30 minutes after taking the medication.
  E) Eat a breakfast high in calcium after taking the medication.

[dajones82]

Answer to Question 1

B
Feedback:
An elderly or frail patient will need extra nursing care to prevent skin breakdown during the period of paralysis because skin tends to be thinner and more susceptible to breakdown. Therefore, risk of impaired skin integrity would be an appropriate nursing diagnosis. Fluid excess or deficit should not be a concern and the patient may be acutely confused when awakening, but there is no reason to think he or she would remain chronically confused if he was not before surgery.

Answer to Question 2

A, C, D
Feedback:
Alendronate, ibandronate, and risedronate need to be taken on arising in the morning, with a full glass of water, fully 30 minutes before any other food or beverage, and the patient must then remain upright for at least 30 minutes; taking the drug with a full glass of water and remaining upright for at least 30 minutes facilitates delivery of the drug to the stomach. These drugs should not be given to anyone who is unable to remain upright for 30 minutes after taking the drug because serious esophageal erosion can occur. There is no need to eat a high-calcium breakfast, although the patient should make certain of adequate calcium intake.

[MirandaLo]

Thank you!

[dajones82]

Always glad to help...