An older patient is hospitalized with influenza and is prescribed ...

[itsmyluck]

An older patient is hospitalized with influenza and is prescribed amantadine (Symmetrel). What assessment finding would indicate this drug is not appropriate for the patient?
 
  a. BUN 22 mg/dL
  b. Creatinine 3.2 mg/dL
  c. Sodium 132 mEq/L
  d. Potassium 4.2 mEq/L

Question 2

A patient has type 2 diabetes. The family reports the patient has become very forgetful. What response by the nurse is best?
 
  a. We should assess her for Alzheimer dis-ease.
  b. Forgetfulness is a common sign in di-abetes.
  c. Have her blood sugars been under good control?
  d. Does she recognize you and know your names?

[Bsand8]

Answer to Question 1

B
Amantadine can cause behavioral changes, delirium, hallucinations, agitation, and seizures, mostly in patients with impaired renal function. The creatinine is high, indicating renal disease. The other lab values are normal.

Answer to Question 2

B
Many diabetics report depression and memory problems, so the nurse explains this fact. Forget-fulness does not necessarily indicate dementia. Asking about blood glucose is appropriate, but not related. Not recognizing family is not the same as forgetfulness.