A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a newly licensed nurse about age-related changes that affect medication administration for older adult clients.
Which of the following information should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale:

Asking the client to demonstrate dose delivery can be part of patient education and helps ensure that the client understands how to use the PCA device. This action does not require intervention.

Choice B rationale:

The nurse administering a PCA dose for the client requires intervention. PCA stands for “Patient-Controlled Analgesia,” meaning that only the patient should administer doses to themselves. This prevents overdosing and ensures that pain medication is administered according to the patient’s needs.

Choice C rationale:

Reassuring the client that the PCA device will not cause an overdose is appropriate because PCA devices are designed with safety measures to prevent overdosing.

Choice D rationale:

Monitoring for oversedation is an important part of care for a client using a PCA device. This action does not require intervention.

Choice A rationale:

Administering an IV fluid bolus can help increase blood volume and thus increase blood pressure, which can alleviate symptoms of dizziness and lightheadedness. This is a common side effect of ramipril, especially after the first dose.

Choice B rationale:

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist and is not relevant in this context. It’s used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose, not to treat symptoms associated with antihypertensive medications.

Choice C rationale:

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to treat allergic reactions or insomnia, not symptoms associated with antihypertensive medications.

Choice D rationale:

Administering 15 g of carbohydrates would be appropriate for a hypoglycemic patient, not for a patient experiencing dizziness and lightheadedness due to antihypertensive medication.