An older patient is admitted to the hospital with cardiac complications associated with diabetes. What should be of concern to the nurse regarding this patient's medications?
1. the type and amount of medications in relation to the patient's renal function
2. whether the patient is taking the prescribed dosages
3. what vitamins and supplements this patient is taking
4. the costs of the patient's medications
Correct Answer: 1
Decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the older adult also reduces the clearance of drugs excreted through the kidneys. This reduced clearance prolongs the half-life of drugs and may necessitate lower drug doses and longer dosing intervals. Common medications affected by decreased GFR include cardiac medications and anti-diabetic agents. Assessing the patient's compliance with the prescribed dose is important in any circumstance but is not specific to this scenario. Use of vitamin supplements should be assessed, but is not specific to the situation described. The nurse might suspect noncompliance if the cost of medications is an issue but this is not a priority otherwise.
You might also like to view...
A patient with HIV has been infected with Mycobacterium avium complex from an indoor pool. Which of the following medications is the recommended treatment for MAC?
A) Clarithromycin B) Isoniazid (INH) C) Rifabutin D) Azithromycin
Why are snacks high in potassium, such as bananas and apricot nectar, recommended?
a. Electrolytes are lost through diaphoresis. b. Sodium is lost through frequent diarrhea. c. Potassium will support weight gain. d. Potassium helps fight infection.
A client is diagnosed with somatoform disorder and depression. The nurse should explain to the client that a useful drug to treat both the pain and the symptoms of depression will require that the client:
A) Sign a no-suicide contract. B) Be careful not to eat foods that contain aged cheese. C) To use sunscreen when exposed to bright sunlight. D) Limit the amount of water he or she drinks.
The nurse is observing a new graduate's assessment of a postpartum patient. Which action by the student nurse should prompt a corrective intervention by the preceptor nurse?
1. Ask the patient to void, and don clean gloves. 2. Discussing the effectiveness of patient comfort measures while performing the perineal assessment. 3. Instructing the patient's visitors to leave the room prior to beginning the assessment. 4. Requesting that the patient lie flat in bed with her head on a pillow prior to the fundal assessment.