A nurse is caring for an elderly adult with hypertension who is being treated with a diuretic and beta-blocker. The nurse is aware that a major consideration in managing hypertension in the elderly is to:

Question

A) Ensure that the patient receive a larger initial dose of antihypertensive medication due to impaired absorption
B) Pay close attention to hydration status because of increased sensitivity to extracellular volume depletion
C) Recognize that an older adult is less likely to comply with his medication regime than a younger patient
D) Carefully assess for weight gain because of impaired kidney function resulting from normal aging

Answer 1

Ans: B
Feedback: Elderly people have impaired cardiovascular reflexes and thus are more sensitive to extracellular volume depletion caused by diuretics. The nurse needs to carefully assess hydration status, low blood pressure, and postural hypotension. Older adults are more likely to comply with drug therapy than younger adults because of the presence of symptoms associated with their disease as well as a greater acceptance of the need for medication regime. Kidney function and absorption decline with the elderly; less, rather than more, antihypertensive medication is prescribed. Weight gain is not indicative of kidney function decline.