The nurse is caring for an older adult with a diagnosis of hypertension who is being treated with a diuretic and beta-blocker. Which of the following should the nurse integrate into the management of this client's hypertension?
A) Ensure that the patient receives 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 adhere to his or her medication regimen than a younger patient.
D) Carefully assess for weight loss because of impaired kidney function resulting from normal aging.
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 assess hydration status, low BP, and postural hypotension carefully. Older adults may have impaired absorption, but they do not need a higher initial dose of an antihypertensive than a younger person. Adherence to treatment is not necessarily linked to age. Kidney function and absorption decline with age; less, rather than more antihypertensive medication is prescribed. Weight gain is not necessarily indicative of kidney function decline.
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