Which of the following is considered a guiding principle of the Beers Criteria for potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults?
Prioritize treatment of symptoms over potential risks
Aim to improve medication safety and minimize harm
Focus on drug-drug interactions only
Base recommendations solely on medication cost-effectiveness
The Correct Answer is B
A. Prioritize treatment of symptoms over potential risks: While symptom control is important, the Beers Criteria emphasizes weighing both benefits and risks in older adults. Prioritizing symptom relief without addressing medication risks could lead to adverse outcomes.
B. Aim to improve medication safety and minimize harm: The Beers Criteria enhances prescribing safety in older adults by identifying medications with higher risk profiles. Its guiding principle is to reduce medication-related harm while supporting safe, treatment.
C. Focus on drug-drug interactions only: The Beers Criteria addresses more than just drug-drug interactions. It also highlights medications inappropriate due to age-related pharmacodynamics, comorbidities, and risks of adverse effects.
D. Base recommendations solely on medication cost-effectiveness: Cost is not the focus of the Beers Criteria. Instead, the emphasis is on clinical appropriateness, minimizing harm, and improving safety in prescribing for older adults.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis typically presents with redness, itching, tearing, and discharge. It does not cause sudden severe eye pain, halos around lights, or rapid vision loss, making it unlikely in this emergency scenario.
B. Acute angle-closure glaucoma: This is a medical emergency characterized by sudden severe eye pain, blurred vision, halos around lights, headache, nausea, and vomiting. It results from a rapid increase in intraocular pressure due to blocked aqueous humor drainage.
C. Dry eye syndrome: Dry eye causes burning, irritation, and a gritty sensation but does not lead to acute, severe pain or halos around lights. It is a chronic, uncomfortable condition rather than an acute emergency.
D. Cataract: Cataracts cause gradual, painless clouding of the lens that leads to blurry vision and glare. They do not present with sudden eye pain or acute onset of symptoms as seen in this case.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Give the client a dose of acetaminophen: While acetaminophen can relieve mild headache, it does not address the urgent risk of stroke. Treating pain without evaluating for a cerebrovascular event could delay critical care.
B. Call 9-1-1: Sudden severe headache and new-onset numbness after a TIA may indicate progression to an acute stroke. Prompt emergency intervention is essential to prevent permanent neurological damage and improve outcomes.
C. Determine if the client has a history of migraine headaches: While a history of migraines may provide context, the acute presentation of neurological deficits cannot be assumed to be a migraine. Immediate action takes priority over history-taking.
D. Assure the client the symptoms will resolve within 24 hours: Providing reassurance without medical evaluation is unsafe. The client’s symptoms could indicate a serious cerebrovascular event requiring urgent intervention rather than waiting for spontaneous resolution.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
