A 69-year-old was prescribed a benzodiazepine 3 years ago. This medication regimen increases the patients risk for injury related to drug abuse and requires frequent patient assessment for which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

Easy bleeding

Shortness of breath

Forgetfulness

Daytime sleepiness

Unsteady gait

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : B,D,E

A.   Easy bleeding is not a common side effect or concern associated with benzodiazepines. This symptom is more typically associated with anticoagulant medications or conditions affecting blood clotting. While it’s essential to monitor for side effects, easy bleeding is not directly related to benzodiazepine use.
B.   Shortness of breath is not a typical side effect of benzodiazepines. However, it is important to monitor respiratory function in patients on any medication, especially if there are signs of respiratory distress or if the patient is on other medications that might interact with benzodiazepines. A
C.   Benzodiazepines are known to cause cognitive impairments, including forgetfulness. This is particularly concerning in older adults, who may be more vulnerable to cognitive side effects. Memory issues and confusion can impact daily functioning and increase the risk of accidents and falls.
D.   Daytime sleepiness is a common side effect of benzodiazepines due to their sedative properties. This side effect can significantly affect daily activities and increase the risk of falls and accidents. It’s essential to monitor patients for excessive drowsiness, as it can impact their safety and overall quality of life.
E.   Benzodiazepines can cause motor impairment, including unsteady gait and increased risk of falls. This is particularly problematic in older adults who may already have decreased balance and coordination. Monitoring for unsteady gait is crucial to prevent falls and other injuries related to impaired mobility.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Serum complement levels are used to evaluate the complement system, which is part of the immune system and plays a role in inflammation and infection. While complement levels can be important in certain inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, they are not typically used to assess age-related changes that impact drug metabolism or the appropriate selection of pain medications.
B. The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is a key measure of kidney function. In older adults, kidney function often declines with age, affecting the metabolism and excretion of medications. Many drugs are primarily eliminated through the kidneys, and impaired kidney function can lead to drug accumulation, increased risk of toxicity, and altered therapeutic efficacy. Assessing GFR helps in adjusting medication doses to avoid adverse effects and ensure safe and effective treatment.
C. A White Blood Count (WBC) measures the number of white blood cells in the blood and is used to assess the body's response to infection, inflammation, and other conditions. While it provides valuable information about immune function and potential infections, it does not directly address age-related changes in drug metabolism or pharmacokinetics. Therefore, it is not the primary test for evaluating how aging might affect drug therapy.
D. An Electroencephalogram (EEG) records the electrical activity of the brain and is used to diagnose neurological conditions such as seizures, sleep disorders, and brain abnormalities. Although EEGs are valuable in certain neurological assessments, they do not provide information on how age-related physiological changes affect drug metabolism or how to tailor drug regimens for older adults.

A. Lack of energy B. Lack of time C. Pain with movement D. Fear of falling

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. While lack of energy can be a barrier to exercise, it is not as specific to the fear of falling.
B. This is a common barrier to exercise for many people, but it does not specifically address the fear of falling.

C. If the patient is experiencing pain with movement, it is important to address this before starting an exercise program. However, fear of falling is a more specific concern related to osteoporosis.
D. Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by decreased bone density, which can increase the risk of fractures. A walking program can help improve bone health and reduce the risk of falls. However, many people with osteoporosis may be reluctant to start a walking program due to fear of falling.

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A 69-year-old was prescribed a benzodiazepine 3 years ago. This medication regimen increases the patients risk for injury related to drug abuse and requires frequent patient assessment for which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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