The pregnant patient tells the nurse that her prescribed ...

[rl]

The pregnant patient tells the nurse that her prescribed medication is not as effective as it was before her pregnancy. What is the best response by the nurse?
 
  1. This is because your blood volume has increased.
  2. Tell me how you have been taking your medication.
  3. This is because your baby is receiving part of the medication.
  4. Maybe the medication has expired; check the label.

Question 2

The nurse provides care for elders in an assisted living facility. What does the nurse assess as a primary contributing factor for medication complications in the elderly?
 
  1. The elderly often abuse alcohol.
  2. The elderly are frequently dehydrated.
  3. The elderly are frequently constipated.
  4. The elderly have decreased stomach acid.

[peilian]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Increased blood volume results in hemodilution and increased excretion of the medication. The medication effectiveness is not reduced because of the baby. Asking the patient how she is taking the medication is a good idea, but in this case, increased blood volume is responsible for decreased drug effect. The medication has most likely not expired; most patients have it refilled monthly.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: Fluid deficit is a critical factor in the older adult that can contribute to medication complications. Decreased stomach acid is not a critical factor with medication complications in the elderly. Frequent constipation is not a critical factor with medication complications in the elderly. Alcohol abuse could be a factor in medication complications with the elderly, but is not as critical as fluid volume deficit.