You are the nurse caring for patients in the urology clinic. A new patient, 78 years old, presents with complaints of urinary incontinence. An anticholinergic is prescribed
Why might this type of medication be an inappropriate choice in the elderly population?
A) Gastrointestinal hypermotility can be an adverse effect of this medication.
B) Detrusor instability can be an adverse effect of this medication.
C) Confusion can be an adverse effect of this medication.
D) Increased symptoms of urge incontinence can be an adverse effect of this medication.
Ans: C
Feedback:
Although medications such as anticholinergics may decrease some of the symptoms of urge incontinence (detrusor instability), the adverse effects of these medications (dry mouth, slowed gastrointestinal motility, and confusion) may make them inappropriate choices for the elderly.
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