Which statement is true about analgesic medications for older adults?
a. Opioids are less effective in older patients than in younger patients.
b. Stool softeners and laxatives should be used with opioids.
c. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are generally harmless.
d. The dose limit for acetaminophen is difficult to reach for older adults.
B
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A Incorrect. Because of changes in metabolism with aging, opioids have a greater and longer-lasting analgesic effect in older patients.
B Correct. Opioids often cause constipation and necessitate bowel stimulation to prevent constipation. A bowel regimen should be instituted at the same time as opioid treatment.
C Incorrect. NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney and liver damage, and drug interactions with potentially fatal results.
D Incorrect. The maximum daily dose of acetaminophen is 4000 mg, and the limit is lower for patients with kidney or liver failure and patients who use alcohol. A typical dose is two 500-mg ("extra-strength") tablets.
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The function of diuretics in the treatment of hypertension is to:
a. block epinephrine receptor sites b. increase renal excretion of sodium/H2O c. inhibit the production of renin d. block calcium's movement into cell
When an older adult client is diagnosed with restless leg syndrome (RLS), the nurse is confident that client education on the condition's contributing factors has been effective when the client states:
a. "A warm bath at night instead of in the morning is my new routine." b. "Eating a banana at breakfast assures me the potassium I need." c. "I've cut way back on my caffeinated coffee, teas and sodas." d. "I elevate my legs on a pillow so as to improve circulation."
When selecting an appropriate drug product for an elderly client, if possible, one should select a drug that is:
a. not dependent on liver metabolism. c. bound to plasma proteins. b. not too water soluble. d. absorbed primarily in the stomach.
Before administering a medication through an existing IV line, the nurse should first check the:
A. Patency of the line B. Location of the IV site C. Client's knowledge of the purpose of the medication D. Compatibility of the medication and the IV solution