Author Question: One of the greatest challenges for the nurse caring for older adults is ensuring safe medication ... (Read 74 times)

beccaep · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

One of the greatest challenges for the nurse caring for older adults is ensuring safe medication use. One way to reduce the risks associated with medication usage is to

a. Periodically review the patient's list of medications.
b. Inform the patient that polypharmacy is to be avoided at all cost.
c. Be aware that medication is absorbed the same way regardless of patient age.
d. Focus only on prescribed medications.

Question 2

To promote physical well-being and socialization in an older adult, what should the nurse realize?

a. Social isolationism is always a chosen behavior.
b. Body image plays no role in decision making by the older adult.
c. No community resources are focused on the older adult.
d. Older adults may have a functional purpose in social arenas.

nanny · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Periodic and thorough review of all medications is important to restrict the number of medications used to the fewest necessary to ensure the greatest therapeutic benefit with the least amount of harm. Although polypharmacy reflects inappropriate prescribing, the concurrent use of multiple medications is necessary in situations where an older adult has multiple acute and chronic conditions. Older adults are at risk for adverse drug effects because of age-related changes in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs. Work collaboratively with the older adult to ensure safe and appropriate use of all medicationsboth prescribed medications and over-the-counter medications.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Social service agencies in most communities welcome older adults as volunteers and provide the opportunity for older adults to serve while meeting their socialization or other needs. Although some older adults choose isolation or a lifelong pattern of reduced interaction with others, other older adults do not choose isolation but are vulnerable to its consequences. Some older adults withdraw from social interaction because of feelings of rejection. These older adults see themselves as unattractive and rejected because of changes in their personal appearance due to normal aging changes or because of body image changes. Many communities have outreach programs designed to make contact with isolated older adults.