A long-term care facility sponsors a discussion group on the administration of medications. The participants have a number of questions concerning their medications. Which of the following is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

Question

a. "Don't worry about the medication's name if you can identify it by its colour and the way it looks."
b. "Please feel free to ask your physician why you are receiving the medications that are ordered for you."
c. "Remember that the hepatic system is primarily responsible for the pharmacotherapeutics of your medications."
d. "Unless you have severe side effects from taking your medications, don't worry about the minor changes in the way you feel."

Answer 1

B

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A The older adult should be taught the names of all drugs being taken, when and how to take them, and the desirable and undesirable effects of the drugs.
B The nurse should encourage the older adult to question the physician or pharmacist (or both) about all prescribed drugs and over-the-counter drugs.
C The hepatic system is not the only system responsible for the pharmacotherapeutics of medication. Older adults are at risk for adverse reactions because of age-related changes in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs. Changes in the gastrointestinal system may affect absorption, distribution may be affected by changes in body composition and by reduced serum albumin levels, and changes in kidney functioning may impair excretion.
D The nurse should teach the patient how to avoid adverse side effects and to report them to the care provider if they occur. If the patient is disturbed by minor side effects, it could be an indication of beginning drug toxicity. Another possibility is that the patient may become noncompliant with the medication because of a dislike of how the side effects make him or her feel.