The nurse is assessing an older adult in the free clinic. The nurse notes that the client's cholesterol level is higher than the target and has increased since the client's last visit

Question

After determining that the client has not changed dietary and exercise habits, the nurse concludes that the client: 1. May be rationing medications.
2. Eating a lot of eggs.
3. Needs more exercise.
4. May be experiencing high triglycerides.

Answer 1

1. May be rationing medications.

Rationale:
Rationing care is one method of reducing medical costs. Many older adults cannot afford the co-pays on their medications, so they reduce their dosages to defray the costs. The nurse should be aware of this practice and assist the client to obtain the needed medications. The client has already stated that diet and exercise have not been changed. Triglycerides and cholesterol are different entities.