The physician has ordered an antihistamine for an elderly patient with allergies. What might the nurse expect the physician to do?
a. Go slow and stay low in dosing.
b. Order the medication according to age and weight.
c. Only give liquid medication.
d. Give medication once a week.
ANS: A
"Go slow and stay low" is the common advice in giving medication to the elderly because of the increased risk of adverse reactions such as confusion, weakness, and dizziness seen with the elderly population.
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An abused client in the inpatient unit recovering from injuries asks to attend Mass at the hospital chapel. The nurse understands that it is important for the client to:
1. Attend to spiritual needs in order to deal with what has happened. 2. Get back to a normal routine as soon as possible. 3. Find a distraction from the injuries. 4. Show an interest in what is going on in the world.
Which of the following symptoms are characteristic of a myasthenic crisis? Select all that apply
a. Sudden onset of muscular weakness b. Inability to swallow or speak c. Sudden respiratory distress d. Diarrhea e. Abdominal cramping f. Bradycardia g. Papillary constriction
A pregnant patient in labor tells the nurse that she is afraid she may have harmed her fetus by consuming alcohol. What is an appropriate response by the nurse?
a. Ask the patient how much alcohol she consumed, and at which stage of her pregnancy. b. Reassure the patient that the risk is likely to be minimal. c. Tell the patient that no amount of alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy. d. Tell the patient that the full range of out-comes may not be evident for years.
For a client who has just undergone cystourethroscopy with biopsy, the nurse should
a. encourage the client to drink fluids to flush the dye from the renal system. b. instruct the client that strict bed rest will be needed after the procedure. c. offer throat lozenges to help with the client's sore throat. d. plan care for a client having general anesthesia.