An older client prescribed a transdermal morphine patch for ...

[ghost!]

An older client prescribed a transdermal morphine patch for severe chronic pain is being educated on the appropriate administration of the medication.
 
  The nurse shows an understanding of essential information regarding this route of drug admin-istration when stating: (Select all that apply.)
  a. This is an effective route for delivering small doses of medication over long peri-ods of time.
  b. Since you have problems with digestion, this is a good way to take your medica-tion.
  c. Please show me how you would apply your patch.
  d. Be careful to put the patch only on your chest but change locations with each ap-plication.
  e. Be sure to avoid placing the patch on in-jured skin.

Question 2

The Beers Criteria is an effective tool for health care professionals prescribing and/or managing the medication therapy of older adults since it identifies medications that for this population:
 
  a. are not typically covered by drug benefit plans.
  b. have a higher than usual risk for injury.
  c. are likely to be abused.
  d. generally cause allergic reactions.

[ynlevi]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, B, C, E
Aging does increase the risk of developing an allergic reaction due to its effect on the immune system and decreased gastric motility. Transdermal medications bypass the gastrointestinal tract and so do not cause digestion problems, and their effectiveness is not affected by digestive problems. Demonstrating the application process is an excellent way to evaluate the client's un-derstanding and technique. Transdermal patches can be applied to areas other than the chest, such as the arms, backs, legs, and abdomen, but damaged skin should be avoided.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Drugs on the Beers' list are those that have been identified to have a higher than usual risk when used in older adults. The Beers Criteria have no relation to medication financing. There is no ev-idence that the drugs are likely to be abused by older adults. There is no greater likelihood of these drugs causing allergic reactions.