A 75-year-old patient tells the nurse about experiencing extreme drowsiness after taking an over-the-counter cold medication. The nurse notes the patient ingested the prescribed amount of the medication. What should this information suggest to the nurse?
1. Older age is influencing the patient's response to the medication.
2. More medication was taken than was reported.
3. A reaction between the cold medication and other routine medications has occurred.
4. An allergic reaction to the cold medication occurred.
Correct Answer: 1
Older patients often experience altered responses to medications because of age-related changes in the kidneys and liver. There is no evidence the patient has taken too much medication. There is no information to indicate the patient is taking other medications. Allergic reactions typically manifest with integumentary- or respiratory-related symptoms.
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