Author Question: A nurse is caring for an elderly patient on multiple medications. The nurse suspects that ... (Read 83 times)

biggirl4568 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A nurse is caring for an elderly patient on multiple medications. The nurse suspects that age-related toxicity may have developed. Which laboratory/diagnostic test would provide the best indication of renal function?

a. Creatinine clearance
b. Renal biopsy
c. Urinalysis
d. Blood urea nitrogen

Question 2

A patient reports awakening at 1 AM after only 2 hours of sleep and is unable to return to sleep for several hours. The patient is becoming increasingly anxious and requests a sleeping medica-tion that will not cause a hangover.

The nurse would anticipate the prescriber to order which one of the following drugs? a. Zolpidem (Ambien)
b. Zaleplon (Sonata)
c. Flurazepam (Dalmane)
d. Trazodone (Desyrel)

nixon_s · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
The proper index of renal function in the elderly is creatinine clearance.
A renal biopsy would not be indicated as an index of renal function without other initial labora-tory/diagnostic testing.
A urinalysis analyzes urine, not renal function.
Blood urea nitrogen can evaluate renal function; however, it also can be altered by other factors, such as hydration status; therefore, it is not the best indicator of renal function.

Answer to Question 2

B
Zaleplon does not produce next day sedation or a hangover feeling and therefore would be the expected medication for the prescriber to order.
Zolpidem, flurazepam, and trazodone may cause next day sedation and/or a hangover feeling and therefore would not be appropriate for this patient.