Chapter 07: Medications and Older Adults

Chapter 07: Medications and Older Adults

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. Why is drug testing done by pharmaceutical companies not always appropriate for the older adult?

a.	The testing is not done long enough.
b.	The testing does not require adequate follow-up.
c.	The testing is not well regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
d.	The testing is usually conducted on healthy young persons.

 

 

ANS:  D

Long and rigorously regulated drug testing procedures most often use healthy young adults as drug testers.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension     REF:   pp. 130-131    OBJ:   1

TOP:   Drug Testing                                   KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Planning

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological Therapies

 

2. What is a cause for increased rate of drug absorption in an older patient?

a.	Change of the chemical composition of the drug
b.	Increased gastric pH
c.	Decreased strength of the drug
d.	Decreased gastric motility

 

 

ANS:  D

Decreased gastric motility can increase the rate of drug absorption due to an increased amount of time that the medication is in contact with the gastric mucosa.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                REF:   p. 131             OBJ:   3

TOP:   Drug Absorption                             KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Assessment

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological Therapies

 

3. What age-related changes in the stomach can cause increased drug absorption and possibly drug toxicity?

a.	Decreased gastric motility
b.	Gastric reflux disease
c.	Inability of gastric cells to transport the drug
d.	Decreased peristalsis

 

 

ANS:  A

Decreased motility leaves the drug in contact with the gastric mucosa for a longer period of time, which leads to increased absorption. Peristalsis is rhythmic movements of the bowels.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   p. 131             OBJ:   3

TOP:   Increased Absorption                       KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Planning

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological Therapies

 

4. What should an older adult be encouraged to implement in order to prevent lithium toxicity?

a.	Increase fluid intake to 3500 mL daily.
b.	Have the patient ambulate for 10 minutes after the drug is administered.
c.	Prohibit citrus fruit in the diet.
d.	Administer a prescribed stool softener to ensure a daily bowel movement.

 

 

ANS:  A

Increase of fluids will help allow water-soluble drugs such as lithium to be diluted in the bloodstream more effectively and excreted more rapidly.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   p. 131             OBJ:   9

TOP:   Distribution    KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Planning

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk

 

5. An older adult is taking diazepam several times a day.  What does the nurse specifically monitor for?

a.	Tachycardia
b.	A hangover effect
c.	Agitation
d.	Hypertension

 

 

ANS:  B

Fat-soluble drugs become trapped in the adipose tissue and are slowly released into the bloodstream, increasing the drug’s concentration.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   p. 138             OBJ:   4

TOP:   Distribution    KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Planning

MSC:   NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological Therapies