Author Question: To minimize the possible complications of polypharmacy among older adult patients, the nurse ... (Read 32 times)

karlynnae · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

To minimize the possible complications of polypharmacy among older adult patients, the nurse assesses this population for which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

a. Number of physicians providing medical care
b. Location of pharmacies where prescrip-tions are filled
c. Presence of chronic illnesses
d. Tendency to borrow medication from family or friend
e. Use of over-the-counter medication to self-medicate

Question 2

An older adult patient reports episodes of fecal incontinence. The nurse provides appropriate emotional support when assuring the patient that

a. it is a common problem that occurs in re-sponse to normal aging.
b. the incontinence is rarely a result of a se-rious problem.
c. disposable absorbent underwear will help manage the problem.
d. the problem generally responds well to bowel control programs.

reelove4eva · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A, B, C, E
Older adults are especially vulnerable to polypharmacy because many have one or more chronic conditions requiring several medications for management. To complicate matters, patients may see more than one provider for the same health problem and may have prescriptions filled at more than one pharmacy. Additional contributors to polypharmacy include the use of over-the-counter and alternative medicines or supplements in the treatment of conditions. As a result, the patient may end up taking duplicate drugs, similar drugs from the same drug class, and drugs that are contraindicated when taken together. Borrowing medications is not usually an issue.

Answer to Question 2

D
It is important to reassure older patients that control and retraining are achievable because many older adults believe that fecal incontinence is the first step on the road to permanent institutiona-lization. Disposable garments may be used temporarily or long term if the patient cannot com-plete bowel retraining. It is not a normal response to aging.