An older patient is being prepared for orthopedic surgery. For ...

[Starlight]

An older patient is being prepared for orthopedic surgery. For what potential risk should the nurse plan care?
 
  1. decreased tolerance of general anesthesia
  2. prolonged effects of anesthesia because of herbal supplements
  3. wound dehiscence
  4. decreased cognitive acuity

Question 2

An older postoperative patient is given an antiemetic for nausea. Which manifestation indicates to the nurse that this patient is experiencing a possible reaction to the medication?
 
  1. involuntary muscle movements
  2. confusion
  3. dry mouth
  4. breakthrough vomiting

[josephsuarez]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1

Older adults have age-related changes that affect physiologic, cognitive, and psychosocial responses to the stress of surgery in addition to decreased tolerance of general anesthesia and postoperative medications and delayed wound healing. No information is provided to indicate the use of herbal supplements. Despite delayed wound healing, there is no information to support the increased risk for wound dehiscence. Cognition remains stable in older adults, but information processing slows.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1

Antiemetics, such as metoclopramide (Reglan) and droperidol (Inapsine), can have tranquilizing effects as well as cause an extrapyramidal reaction. The patient would demonstrate involuntary movements, muscle tone changes, and abnormal posturing. Elderly patients may also experience drowsiness, which reduces orientation, after being given antiemetics. A dry mouth may be experienced as a result of having been or currently being unable to have oral intake. Breakthrough vomiting is not an indication of an adverse reaction.

[Starlight]

Thank you

[josephsuarez]

Happy to help you