When developing a teaching plan for an older, newly diagnosed ...

[justinmsk]

When developing a teaching plan for an older, newly diagnosed diabetic client, the nurse best ensures an understanding of oral hypoglycemic medications when providing:
 
  a. the package insert and assessing the cli-ent's reading skills.
  b. the client with the website address for the American Diabetes Association.
  c. oral explanations and sending the client home with a written copy.
  d. the information in paragraph form as op-posed to numbered line fashion.

Question 2

When performing the initial assessment on a new client in a geriatric outpatients practice, the most effective method the nurse can implement to elicit an accurate medication assessment is to ask that the client:
 
  a. make a list of all her current medications.
  b. work with a family member to make a list of her medications.
  c. bring in all of the medications that she is currently taking.
  d. allow her previous primary care provider to provide a list of medications.

[jomama]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Providing memory aids, such as written information including charts, is effective in reinforcing teaching. Package inserts are not always written in lay language that is understandable and ap-propriate to the reading level of the older adult. The font size of the print may be too small for aging eyes. Not all older adults are computer literate or comfortable with the use of the computer. This method may be more effective for younger clients. A more effective manner in which to provide written information to older adults is in the form of lists using a large-size font.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The gold standard is to use the brown bag approach. The patient is asked to bring all medica-tions including prescription drugs, OTC drugs, and herbal and dietary supplements. The patient may not remember all of the medications that are being taken. As each medication is removed from the bag, necessary information is obtained. A complete medication assessment includes OTC drugs, as well as herbal and dietary supplements, not just prescription medications. Your primary source of information should be the patient if she is able to provide the information; the previous provider may not be able to provide information on supplements or OTC and herbal medications. The nurse needs to include more than just prescription medications. In addition, prescribed medications do not always reflect what is being taken.

[justinmsk]

Excellent

[LVPMS]

TYSM