Author Question: After completing a medication history the nurse is concerned that an older patient is at risk for ... (Read 54 times)

awywial · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

After completing a medication history the nurse is concerned that an older patient is at risk for drug toxicity. What did the nurse most likely assess in this patient? (Select all that apply.)

A) Takes medication for glaucoma
B) Experiences transient dizziness after taking anticonvulsant medication
C) Has blood work done every 3 months to check anticonvulsant drug levels
D) Takes digoxin for a cardiac dysrhythmia and carbamazepine for seizures once a day
E) Takes prescribed gabapentin for peripheral neuropathy with grapefruit juice every day

Question 2

The patient, age 42, has chronic otitis media. Otoscopic examination reveals a central perforation of the eardrum with purulent drainage into the ear canal.

A CT scan confirms the presence of a cholesteatoma in the middle ear, and he is scheduled for a tympanoplasty. Which postoperative activity does the nurse teach him about preoperatively? a. Elevation of head of bed with operative side facing upward
b. Enforce bed rest for 72 hours
c. Frequent turning, coughing, and deep breathing
d. Continuous irrigation of the ear canal with antibiotic solutions

juliaf · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D, E
Feedback:
Anticonvulsant and digitalis preparations taken concurrently significantly increase the risk of toxicity from both drugs. Grapefruit increases the risk of toxicity when taken with an anticonvulsant medication. Medication for glaucoma does not increase the patient's risk of toxicity. Transient dizziness does not indicate toxicity. Having blood work done every 3 months would help reduce the risk of toxicity.

Answer to Question 2

A
Postoperative management for patients who have had a tympanoplasty consists of bed rest until the next morning. The head of the bed is elevated 40 degrees, and the operative side faces upward.