The nurse is reviewing the chart of a 74-year old patient with osteoarthritis. This patient is on several medications prescribed by different providers in the community. With a focus on safety, what is the nurse most concerned about with this patient?
Interactions of medications
Poor pain control
Depression
Chronic Illness
The Correct Answer is A
A. Interactions of medications: Older adults taking multiple medications from different providers are at high risk for polypharmacy-related drug–drug interactions. Age-related changes in metabolism and renal clearance increase the likelihood of adverse effects and toxicity. Medication interactions pose the greatest immediate safety risk.
B. Poor pain control: Inadequate pain management can affect quality of life and mobility, but it is not the primary safety concern in a client taking multiple medications. Pain can often be reassessed and adjusted once medication safety is ensured. Safety risks take priority over symptom control.
C. Depression: Depression is common in older adults with chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, but it does not pose the same immediate physiologic risk as medication interactions. Mental health concerns require assessment but are secondary to preventing medication-related harm.
D. Chronic illness: Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition that requires ongoing management, but chronic illness itself does not represent an acute safety concern. The presence of multiple prescribers and medications creates a higher risk for adverse outcomes than the diagnosis alone.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Take acetaminophen every 4 hr, as needed, for discomfort: Acetaminophen is hepatotoxic at high doses and should be used cautiously in clients with hepatitis B. Routine dosing without provider guidance can worsen liver injury. Safer alternatives or provider-approved dosing should be recommended.
B. Rest frequently throughout the day: Fatigue is a common symptom of hepatitis B, and frequent rest helps conserve energy and supports liver recovery. Adequate rest is a key component of self-care and symptom management.
C. You may donate blood 6 months after completing the medication regimen: Clients with hepatitis B should never donate blood while infected or until cleared and confirmed by a healthcare provider. Blood donation is strictly contraindicated during infection to prevent transmission.
D. Consume a high-protein diet: While adequate protein supports recovery, excessive protein intake may increase the liver’s metabolic load, particularly if hepatic function is impaired. Diet should be balanced and individualized rather than high-protein by default.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Raynaud's phenomenon: Raynaud’s phenomenon involves vasospasm of the fingers and toes, leading to color changes and numbness, and can occur in autoimmune conditions, but it is not a primary cutaneous manifestation of SLE. It is more of a vascular symptom.
B. Facial pallor: Pallor may indicate anemia or poor perfusion, which can occur in SLE but is not a specific cutaneous manifestation of the disease. It reflects systemic involvement rather than characteristic skin findings.
C. Foot ulcers: Ulcerations may occur secondary to vasculitis or impaired circulation, but they are not typical early cutaneous features of SLE. They are less common and usually represent complications rather than diagnostic markers.
D. Butterfly rash on face: A malar or butterfly rash across the cheeks and bridge of the nose is a classic cutaneous manifestation of SLE. It is erythematous, often photosensitive, and serves as a hallmark feature in diagnosis and clinical assessment.
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