An older adult reports symptoms of xerostomia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement for this patient? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason: This action is correct because the client is showing signs of a possible stroke, such as a severe headache and numbness in one side of the body. The nurse should call 9-11 immediately to get the client to the nearest hospital for urgent evaluation and treatment. The nurse should also monitor the client's vital signs, neurological status, and airway until help arrives.

Choice B reason: This action is incorrect because the client's headache and numbness are not likely to be caused by a migraine, but by a stroke. The nurse should not waste time asking about the client's history of headaches, but rather act quickly to get the client to the hospital. The nurse should also not assume that the client's symptoms are benign or familiar, but rather treat them as an emergency.

Choice C reason: This action is incorrect because the client's headache and numbness are not likely to be relieved by acetaminophen, but by a stroke. The nurse should not give the client any medication without a doctor's order, especially if the client has a history of TIA or stroke. The nurse should also not delay calling 9-11 by administering medication, as every minute counts in saving the client's brain cells.

Choice D reason: This action is incorrect because the client's headache and numbness are not likely to resolve within 24 hours, but by a stroke. The nurse should not reassure the client that the symptoms are temporary or harmless, but rather alert the client that they are signs of a serious condition. The nurse should also not delay calling 9-11 by providing false comfort, as the client's condition may worsen rapidly.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because over-the-counter NSAIDs are not generally harmless, especially for older adults. NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment, hypertension, and increased risk of cardiovascular events. Older adults are more susceptible to these adverse effects due to age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, as well as the presence of comorbidities and polypharmacy. Therefore, NSAIDs should be used with caution and at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible in older adults.

Choice B reason: This is correct because stool softeners and laxatives should be used with opioids. Opioids can cause constipation, which can lead to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fecal impaction, and bowel obstruction. Older adults are more prone to constipation due to decreased intestinal motility, reduced fluid intake, and use of other medications that affect bowel function. Therefore, stool softeners and laxatives should be prescribed along with opioids to prevent and treat constipation in older adults.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because opioids are not less effective in older clients than in younger clients. Opioids are potent analgesics that can relieve moderate to severe pain in older adults. However, opioids can also cause respiratory depression, sedation, confusion, delirium, falls, and dependence. Older adults are more sensitive to these side effects due to altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, as well as the presence of cognitive impairment and frailty. Therefore, opioids should be used with caution and at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible in older adults.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because the dose limit for acetaminophen is not difficult to reach for older adults. Acetaminophen is a safe and effective analgesic for mild to moderate pain in older adults. However, acetaminophen can cause hepatotoxicity, especially at high doses or in combination with other medications that contain acetaminophen. The recommended maximum daily dose of acetaminophen for older adults is 3 grams, which can be easily reached if the patient is not aware of the amount of acetaminophen they are taking. Therefore, acetaminophen should be used with caution and at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible in older adults.