Author Question: Which action should the emergency department staff take first for an older patient who is ... (Read 115 times)

kellyjaisingh · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

Which action should the emergency department staff take first for an older patient who is demonstrating extreme confusion?

A) Order an ECG
B) Administer a stimulant
C) Review the drugs being taken
D) Check serum electrolyte levels

Question 2

Mr. Y, who lives with his wife in their home of 50 years, has a diagnosis of osteoarthritis. Which of the following factors is most likely to have the largest impact on Mr. Y's ability to manage his illness?

A) The availability of new treatment options for his condition
B) The financial resources available to Mr. Y and his wife
C) The course and progression of his condition
D) The openness of Mr Y to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

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

Answer to Question 1

C
Feedback:
The risk of adverse reactions to drugs is so high in older people that some health care providers suggest that any symptom in an older adult be suspected as being related to a drug until proven otherwise. If the patient or an accompanying person knows what drugs are being taken and the dosages, the cause of the dysfunction may be immediately apparent. No stimulant should be given until that information is available, as it might cause an interaction with adverse results. Serum electrolyte levels and an ECG may be needed but only after the drug information is known.

Answer to Question 2

C
Feedback:
The course and progression of Mr. Y's arthritis is likely to affect his ability to manage it more than new treatment options, finances, or his openness to CAM treatments.