The home health nurse cares for an older adult patient who lives ...

[rl]

The home health nurse cares for an older adult patient who lives alone and takes several different prescribed medications for chronic health problems. Which intervention, if implemented by the nurse, would best encourage medication compliance?
 
  a. Use a marked pillbox to set up the patient's medications.
  b. Discuss the option of moving to an assisted living facility.
  c. Remind the patient about the importance of taking medications.
  d. Visit the patient daily to administer the prescribed medications.

Question 2

The nurse cares for an alert, homeless older adult patient who was admitted to the hospital with a chronic foot infection. Which intervention is the most appropriate for the nurse to include in the discharge plan for this patient?
 
  a. Refer the patient to social services for further assessment.
  b. Teach the patient how to assess and care for the foot infection.
  c. Schedule the patient to return to outpatient services for foot care.
  d. Give the patient written information about shelters and meal sites.

[ryansturges]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Because forgetting to take medications is a common cause of medication errors in older adults, the use of medication reminder devices is helpful when older adults have multiple medications to take. There is no indication that the patient needs to move to assisted living or that the patient does not understand the importance of medication compliance. Home health care is not designed for the patient who needs ongoing assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental ADLs (IADLs).

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
An interdisciplinary approach, including social services, is needed when caring for homeless older adults. Even with appropriate teaching, a homeless individual may not be able to maintain adequate foot care because of a lack of supplies or a suitable place to accomplish care. Older homeless individuals are less likely to use shelters or meal sites. A homeless person may fail to keep appointments for outpatient services because of factors such as fear of institutionalizatio n or lack of transportation.

[rl]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[ryhom]

Excellent