An older adult patient is taking phenobarbital (Luminal) for seizure control. What is most important for the nurse to assess in the patient?
1. Fluid intake
2. Electrolyte balance
3. Respiratory function
4. Nutritional status
3
Rationale 1: Fluid intake is often decreased in older adults but is not a side effect of barbiturates.
Rationale 2: Barbiturates do not affect electrolyte balance.
Rationale 3: Older adults are at risk for cumulative effects of barbiturates due to diminished hepatic and renal function. Central nervous system (CNS) depression can lead to suppression of respiratory function.
Rationale 4: Nutritional status is important with older adult patients but is not the primary concern.
Global Rationale: Older adults are at risk for cumulative effects of barbiturates due to diminished hepatic and renal function. Central nervous system (CNS) depression can lead to suppression of respiratory function. Nutritional status is important with older adults but is not the primary concern. Fluid intake is often decreased in older adults but is not a side effect of barbiturates. Barbiturates do not affect electrolyte balance.
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