The nurse is caring for an older adult who reports severe chronic pain. To best assess age- related physiologic changes that could influence plans for initiating an appropriate drug regimen, the nurse prepares the patient for which laboratory evaluation?
Serum complement level
Glomerular filtration rate
White blood count
Electroencephalogram
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Ethnocentrism is the belief that one's own culture is superior to others. In this case, the nurse is exhibiting ethnocentrism by assuming that the facility's current accommodations are sufficient for all residents, without considering the specific cultural needs of Jewish patients. By informing potential Jewish patients that the facility does not have a kosher kitchen, the nurse is essentially stating that the facility's culture and practices are more important than the cultural needs of the patients.
B. This is a reasonable request to ensure that the facility's resources are shared fairly among all residents. It does not reflect ethnocentrism.
C. While it's important to ensure that medications and treatments are safe and effective, confiscating herbs and food products used for healing without a clear medical reason could be seen as disrespectful of the patient's cultural beliefs and practices. However, if there are valid medical concerns, the nurse should communicate these to the patient in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner.
D. This is a common practice in many assisted living facilities and is not considered ethnocentric. However, the nurse should ensure that these activities do not exclude or marginalize residents of other faiths.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Limiting the number of visitors may be a necessary step if the patient is becoming overwhelmed or tired. However, this approach might not consider the cultural significance of extended family and community in Arab American culture, where family involvement is often highly valued.
B. Suggesting shorter visits is a more balanced approach. It acknowledges the patient's need for rest while still respecting the importance of family and community involvement. This action can help manage the patient's fatigue while allowing them to maintain cultural and familial connections. It’s a compromise that accommodates both the patient's health needs and cultural values.
C. Requiring visitors to check in at the front desk can help manage visitor flow and ensure that the patient is not overwhelmed. However, this action does not directly address the issue of visitor duration or frequency, which might still lead to patient fatigue. It also might not align with cultural expectations of openness and hospitality in Arab American culture, where family and visitors are often seen as central to the patient’s well-being.
D. Allowing only family members to visit might help reduce the number of visitors and ensure that the patient receives support from those closest to them. However, this approach may be too restrictive and could potentially isolate the patient from their broader support network, which might be an important aspect of their cultural practices. It also does not address the underlying issue of managing visitor fatigue.
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