The nurse is planning an educational session on suicide in the older patient population. What information should the nurse include in this presentation? Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Suicide rates are the highest in teens.
2. A patient should never be questioned about suicide intent.
3. Suicide rates are the highest in people age 65 and older.
4. An older person who contemplates suicide is more likely to complete the act than a younger person.
5. Approximately 70 of older adults who commit suicide had visited their primary care physician within the previous month.
Question 2
A newly licensed nurse is admitting an elderly client. The nurse asks the preceptor why the client would be taking a smaller-than-recommended dose of a medication. Which of the following is the most appropriate response by the preceptor?
A) The client is probably confused and told you the wrong amount.
B) Aging affects the body's ability to handle drugs. Some elderly clients will take dosages of medications that are less than are recommended for adults.
C) Some elderly clients can't afford to pay for their medications, so he probably only takes half of what he is supposed to be taking.
D) Hepatic blood flow increases as one ages. This requires less of a medication to prevent toxicity.
Entry level nurse competencies
Medical assistant interviewing a patient.
Walkers help the patient ambulate safely.
The Graying of America: Americans Age 65 and Older
Common patient positions.