An older adult, aged 72, with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease is admitted to a long-term care facility. The client takes glipizide (Glucotrol) and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur)
The medical history states that the client drank 4 ounces of whiskey per day for many years. Which of the following actions should be a priority for the admitting nurse?
A) Assess and observe for depression.
B) Assess for hypoglycemia and hypotension.
C) Evaluate the client for renal failure.
D) Evaluate blood work for changes in electrolytes.
Ans: B
Older adults are more susceptible to developing medication–alcohol interactions. Age-related changes in body composition can cause higher levels of alcohol to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Alcohol enhances vasodilation when an individual takes a nitrate, and there is potentiation of oral hypoglycemics by alcohol. CNS depression occurs when alcohol interacts with barbiturates and meprobamate, which this client is not taking. There is no need to evaluate for renal failure or changes in electrolytes; these are not known medication–alcohol interactions.
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