A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for an older adult client. Which of the following physiological changes should the nurse recommend considering when administering medication?
Increased liver function
Increased metabolism
Decreased pulmonary function
Decreased kidney function
The Correct Answer is D
As individuals age, there is a natural decline in kidney function. This can result in a reduced ability to filter and excrete medications and their metabolites from the body. The decreased kidney function can lead to a longer half-life of medications, increased drug accumulation, and an increased risk of adverse drug reactions. It is important for the nurse to adjust medication dosages and frequencies based on the individual's renal function to prevent drug toxicity.
Increased liver function: Aging is associated with a gradual decline in liver function. While there may be some individual variations, in general, liver function decreases rather than increases with age. However, changes in liver function can affect the metabolism and elimination of medications. Some medications may require dosage adjustments based on liver function, but it is not a common physiological change in older adults.
Increased metabolism: Aging is generally associated with a decrease in metabolism rather than an increase. The metabolic rate tends to slow down with age, which can affect the pharmacokinetics of medications. Slower metabolism can result in medications taking longer to be metabolized and cleared from the body, potentially leading to prolonged drug effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A:
An absent dorsal pedal pulse would indicate a vascular problem such as arterial occlusion, not a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In the case of DVT, blood flow in the veins is obstructed, but the arterial pulse, which is related to arterial circulation, should remain intact unless there is a separate arterial issue. Therefore, absent pulses are not characteristic of DVT.
Choice B:
Shiny, hairless skin is a sign typically associated with chronic arterial insufficiency, not DVT. This skin change occurs when there is poor arterial blood flow, which leads to a lack of nourishment for the skin, causing it to become thin and shiny. In contrast, DVT affects the veins and does not usually cause these skin changes in the acute phase.
Choice C:
Irregular, bulging veins are indicative of varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency, not a DVT. Varicose veins occur when the veins become swollen and twisted due to weak or damaged valves. DVT, on the other hand, involves the formation of a clot in the deep veins and does not typically cause the veins to bulge visibly, especially in the early stages.
Choice D:
Dull, aching pain is a common symptom associated with deep vein thrombosis. This pain typically occurs in the affected extremity and is often described as a constant, aching sensation. The pain can worsen with movement or standing and is due to the inflammation and obstruction caused by the blood clot in the deep veins. This is a hallmark sign of DVT, along with swelling and redness in the affected limb.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic commonly prescribed for the treatment of various bacterial infections. It belongs to a class of medications known as fluoroquinolones. One potential side effect of ciprofloxacin is increased sensitivity to sunlight, which can lead to a higher risk of sunburn. Therefore, it is important for the client to take precautions, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding excessive sun exposure while taking this medication.
"Take an antacid if the medication causes gastrointestinal upset": Ciprofloxacin can be taken with or without food, but it should not be taken with antacids, calcium supplements, or other products containing aluminum, magnesium, or calcium, as they can interfere with the absorption of the medication. If gastrointestinal upset occurs, it is generally recommended to take the medication with food to minimize this side effect.
"Restrict your daily fluid intake while taking this medication": There is no need to restrict fluid intake while taking ciprofloxacin unless specifically instructed by the healthcare provider.
Adequate hydration is important to maintain overall health and prevent potential complications.
"Expect to experience diarrhea while taking this medication": Diarrhea can be a potential side effect of ciprofloxacin, but it is not a universal experience for all individuals taking the medication. It is more appropriate to inform the client about the potential side effects of ciprofloxacin, including gastrointestinal upset, and to encourage them to report any significant or persistent symptoms to their healthcare provider
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