The nurse is caring for an elderly patient who has been admitted with pneumonia.

The nurse knows that elderly patients are at increased risk for respiratory infections because of which of the following factors?

(Select all that apply.).

The correct answer is B, C, and E.

Phenytoin (Dilantin) is an anticonvulsant medication that is used to control seizures.

It can have several side effects, some of which are serious and require medical attention.

Here are some explanations for each choice:.

A. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication.

This iswrongbecause grapefruit juice does not interact with phenytoin.However, grapefruit juice can affect the levels of other medications, such as statins, calcium channel blockers, and some antidepressants.

B. Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.This isrightbecause phenytoin can causegingival hyperplasia, which is an overgrowth of the gums that can lead to bleeding, infection, and difficulty chewing.

To prevent this, patients should practice good oral hygiene, avoid alcohol and tobacco, and see a dentist regularly.

A. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication B.

Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush C.

Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace at all times D.

Stop taking this medication if you develop a rash or fever E.

Have your blood levels checked regularly as directed by your provider

The correct answer is C.

Ego integrity vs despair.

According to Erikson’s psychosocial theory, older adults face the challenge of looking back on their lives and evaluating their accomplishments and failures.

If they feel satisfied with their life course, they achieve a sense of ego integrity, which is a feeling of wholeness and coherence.

If they feel regretful or dissatisfied, they experience despair, which is a sense of hopelessness and bitterness.

Choice A is wrong because trust vs mistrust is the first stage of Erikson’s theory, which occurs in infancy.

It involves developing a basic sense of trust in oneself and others based on the quality of caregiving.

Choice B is wrong because generativity vs stagnation is the seventh stage of Erikson’s theory, which occurs in middle adulthood.

It involves contributing to society and the next generation through work, parenting, or other activities.

Choice D is wrong because identity vs role confusion is the fifth stage of Erikson’s theory, which occurs in adolescence.

It involves developing a stable and coherent sense of self and one’s role in society.

Normal ranges for Erikson’s stages are:.

• Trust vs mistrust: birth to 18 months.

• Autonomy vs shame and doubt: 18 months to 3 years.

• Initiative vs guilt: 3 to 6 years.

• Industry vs inferiority: 6 to 12 years.

• Identity vs role confusion: 12 to 18 years.

• Intimacy vs isolation: 18 to 40 years.

• Generativity vs stagnation: 40 to 65 years.

• Ego integrity vs despair: 65 years and older.