The nurse is preparing an 80-year-old patient for discharge home ...

[formula1]

The nurse is preparing an 80-year-old patient for discharge home from the hospital. The patient will receive several new medications. The patient lives alone but has several family members who stop by every day.
 
  Which suggestions will the nurse make for this family? (Select all that apply.)
  a. Ask the pharmacy for non-childproof medication bottles.
  b. Ask the patient to record all medications and the times they are taken.
  c. Place the pills in an organizer container.
  d. Provide the patient with the drug manufacturer information sheets.
  e. Put water bottles near pills for convenience.

Question 2

An older patient takes ibuprofen for arthritis pain. The patient tells the nurse that the ibuprofen causes gastrointestinal (GI) upset. Which action will the nurse take with this patient?
 
  a. Ask the provider about having the patient take a different medication.
  b. Instruct the patient to cut the ibuprofen dose in half to avoid GI upset.
  c. Explain that all drugs have adverse effects.
  d. Explore options to help decrease the drug side effects.

[ryhom]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, C, E
To help older patients with compliance, medications should be convenient and easy to open. Asking the pharmacist for non-childproof containers will help make medications easier to get. Using an organizer container helps patients remember which drugs should be taken at what time. Placing water bottles nearby eliminates a step in the process and increases the likelihood that a medication will be taken on time.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Older adults are more likely to experience drug side effects, and nurses should be aware of measures that may decrease these side effects and thus improve adherence.

[formula1]

Thanks

[ryhom]

Welcome