A nurse formulates nursing diagnoses for an older adult who takes ...

[dmcintosh]

A nurse formulates nursing diagnoses for an older adult who takes 12 prescription drugs daily. The nurse designates Risk for falls as the priority diagnosis because risk for falls is related to
 
  a. age-related mobility issues, not necessarily the drugs being taken.
  b. inappropriate use of prescription drugs.
  c. potential drug interactions and toxicity.
  d. rapid drug excretion.

Question 2

Based on changes in hepatic function in older adult patients, which adjustment should the nurse expect for oral medications that undergo extensive first-pass metabolism?
 
  a. A higher dose should be used with the same time schedule.
  b. The interval between doses should be increased.
  c. No change is necessary; metabolism will not be affected.
  d. The interval between doses should be decreased.

[morganmarie791]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Adverse drug reactions are seven times more common in the elderly than in younger adults and may contribute to an increased risk for drug interactions, toxicity, and falls.
Mobility may decline in the elderly, increasing the risk for falls; however, this option ignores the link between falls and medication use in the elderly.
Inappropriate use of prescription drugs is a concern, but it is not the best reasoning for an increased risk for falls in the elderly.
Rapid drug excretion should not contribute to an increased risk for falls in the elderly.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The interval between doses of the medication should be increased in older adult patients, because drugs that undergo the first-pass effect may not be broken down as well as in someone with full liver function.
A higher dose of the medication is not indicated, because toxic effects could occur.
A change in administration may be indicated in the older adult, because metabolism is affected in the elderly.
The interval between doses should not be decreased, but increased.

[dmcintosh]

TYSM

[yeungji]

Great answer, keep it coming