The nurse is discharging an older adult client with a new medication. Which statements should be included in discharge teaching?

Question

1. "You will be started on the lowest effective dose; it will gradually increase."
2. "You will need to come back to the clinic in 3 to 5 days for follow-up."
3. "Call if there are any changes in physical or emotional behavior."
4. "It is very important that you do not get overhydrated, since that would increase the effects of the medication."
5. "This would be a good time to commit to a low-protein diet in an effort to lose weight."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3
Rationale 1: Starting the older adult on the lowest effective dose and titrating upward will decrease the risk for toxicity.
Rationale 2: Drug accumulation in older adults often occurs 3 to 5 days after the new drug has been initiated.
Rationale 3: Consider any change in physical or emotional behavior as a possible sign of toxicity.
Rationale 4: Dehydration causes drug toxicity.
Rationale 5: Low-protein diets can cause drug toxicity.
Global Rationale: Starting the older adult on the lowest effective dose and titrating upward will decrease the risk for toxicity. Drug accumulation in older adults often occurs 3 to 5 days after the new drug has been initiated. Consider any change in physical or emotional behavior as a possible sign of toxicity. Dehydration causes drug toxicity. Low-protein diets can cause drug toxicity.