Deck 20: Teaching Older Adults

Question 1

The process by which drugs in the bloodstream are sent to various parts of the body is called which of the following?

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

Answer 1

C

Question 2

The reduced blood flow in the liver, lessened enzyme activity, and smaller liver mass that typically occur in older adults would most affect which of the following pharmacokinetic processes, creating a potential for drug toxicity?

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

Answer 2

C

Question 3

You are a nurse working with an older patient, Judy, at a community health clinic. You note in her health record that Judy is currently taking seven different prescribed medications. You should warn Judy that which of the following substances may have interactions with her medications? Select all that apply.

A) Bottled water
B) Alcohol
C) Nicotine
D) Caffeine
E) Grapefruit

Answer 3

B, C, D, E

Question 4

Which of the following cardiovascular drugs slows and strengthens the heartbeat and is the drug of choice in treating congestive heart failure?

A) Nitroglycerin
B) Digitalis
C) Diuretics
D) Beta-adrenergic blocking drugs

Question 5

You are working as a nurse at a long-term care facility with an older patient named Juanita, who has just begun taking antihypertensive medication. Which of the following are risks associated with taking antihypertensives that you should warn Juanita about? Select all that apply.

A) High blood pressure
B) Dehydration
C) Diarrhea
D) Orthostatic hypotension
E) Dizziness

Question 6

A resident at the assisted living facility where you work, Barbara, bruises easily and, when wounded, has a hard time stopping the bleeding. Which of the following medications that Barbara is currently taking would most likely cause these adverse effects?

A) Cholesterol-lowering drug
B) Antihypertensive drug
C) Antiplatelet agent
D) Diuretic

Question 7

As a nurse at a hospital, you are instructing an older patient with rheumatoid arthritis regarding her prescribed use of prednisone. Which of the following should you tell this patient regarding this medication? Select all that apply.

A) "You will likely be on this medication for the rest of your life."
B) "Do not discontinue taking this medication abruptly; you must taper off gradually."
C) "Side effects include nausea, gastric distress, and ulcers."
D) "Never ingest this medication with food."
E) "There is an increased incidence of osteoporosis when taking this medication."

Question 8

You are working with an older patient, Daniel, who was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and has a moderately elevated blood glucose level. Which of the following courses of treatment do you anticipate for Daniel?

A) Insulin
B) Focus on diet and exercise
C) Antiplatelet medication
D) Thrombolytic drug

Question 9

As a nurse, you are preparing to teach a class at the local senior center on recommendations for preventing drug-food interactions. List the recommendations that you should include.

Question 10

List some of the psychological factors responsible for the misuse of drugs by older adults.