Deck 14: Safe Medication Use for Older Adults

Question 1

In speaking with an older adult, which question is likely to elicit the most accurate information about the individual's adherence to the medication plan?

A) "You take digoxin (Lanoxin) at the correct time, don't you?"
B) "Why didn't you take all of your digoxin (Lanoxin) last month?"
C) "How many doses of digoxin (Lanoxin) do you think you missed?"
D) "You have never missed a dose of digoxin (Lanoxin), have you?"

Answer 1

"How many doses of digoxin (Lanoxin) do you think you missed?"

Question 2

The nurse prepares to administer vancomycin (Vancocin) to an older adult. Which laboratory test should the nurse review before administering this medication?

A) Stool culture
B) Serum potassium
C) Creatinine clearance
D) Alkaline phosphatase

Answer 2

Creatinine clearance

Question 3

The relationship of biological rhythms to variations in the body's response to drugs is known as chronopharmacology. When caring for an older adult with asthma, what information would help guide the nurse in planning the time to administer medication to the patient?

A) The asthma is most distressing before bedtime.
B) The asthma is most distressing at mid-day.
C) The asthma is most distressing between four and five A.M.
D) The asthma is most distressing after performing activities of daily living.

Answer 3

The asthma is most distressing between four and five A.M.

Question 4

Which of the following medications correctly matches the older adult condition given, according to current medical knowledge?

A) Alprazolam (Xanax) for depression at bedtime
B) Buspirone (BuSpar) for chronic anxiety states
C) Amitriptyline (Elavil) for depression in the morning
D) Haloperidol (Haldol) long-term for psychotic behaviour

Question 5

Which pharmacokinetic parameter is affected most by decreased intestinal motility related to the aging process?

A) Absorption
B) Distribution
C) Metabolism
D) Excretion

Question 6

Which of the following processes is not increased in the early morning?

A) Fibrinolytic activity
B) Osteoarthritis pain
C) Asthma symptoms
D) Rheumatoid arthritis pain

Question 7

Mr. Perrault, 75 years of age, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease two years ago. Over the last 24 hours, he appears to have become more confused and agitated. Which of the following should the nurse consider as a possible cause of these symptoms, knowing that Mr. Perrault is receiving medication to alleviate some of his Parkinson's disease symptoms?

A) Delirium and dementia
B) Adverse drug reaction and delirium
C) Dementia and adverse drug reaction
D) Worsening of dementia

Question 8

An older adult who has an albumin level of 25 g/L takes aspirin and phenytoin (Dilantin) by mouth daily. Which adverse effect of these medications does the nurse expect because of the older adult's nutritional status?

A) Depressed mood
B) Clay-coloured stools
C) Increased heart rate
D) Gingival hyperplasia

Question 9

The nurse provides instruction about medication safety to older adults. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?

A) Nausea and vomiting are common, harmless medication side effects.
B) Keep a supply of medications at the bedside for convenience.
C) Ask the health care provider to describe the purpose of the medication therapy.
D) Take your daily medications on an empty stomach with water.