Which statement by the student nurse indicates the need for further education regarding pain management in older adults? (Select all that apply).
“Older adults often fear becoming addicted to pain medications.”.
“Older adults often take numerous drugs which can cause interactions with pain medications.”.
“Confusion and delirium can be a more common reaction to certain pain medications in the elderly.”.
“Older adults tolerate the same dosage as do younger individuals.”.
Correct Answer : D
Older adults do not have a different pain mechanism and do not feel it as much as younger individuals. This statement is false and indicates the need for further education regarding pain management in older adults.
Some possible explanations for the other choices are:
Choice A is true because older adults often fear becoming addicted to pain medications and may underreport or deny their pain.
Choice B is true because older adults often take numerous drugs that can cause interactions with pain medications and increase the risk of adverse effects.
Choice C is true because confusion and delirium can be a more common reaction to certain pain medications in the elderly, especially opioids and benzodiazepines.
Normal ranges for vital signs in older adults are similar to those in younger adults, except for blood pressure, which may be higher due to arterial stiffness. The normal range for blood pressure in older adults is 120/80 to 140/90 mm Hg.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Administer oxygen. This is the first priority because oxygen can help prevent further sickling of red blood cells and improve tissue perfusion.
B. Start IV fluids. This is the second priority because hydration can reduce blood viscosity and prevent vaso-occlusion.
C. Administer pain medication. This is the third priority because pain is a common and distressing symptom of sickle cell crisis and should be treated with opioids around the clock.
D. Draw lab work. This is the last priority because lab work can help monitor the severity of the crisis and the need for blood transfusions, but it does not directly relieve the patient’s symptoms or prevent complications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This is because non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medicines that are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis by reducing pain, inflammation, and swelling.
However, NSAIDs do not slow down the disease progression or prevent joint
damage. Therefore, they are often used along with other types of medications, such as methotrexate or biologics, that can modify the disease course. NSAIDs may take up to two weeks to reach their full anti-inflammatory effect.
Choice A is wrong because using aspirin to relieve other types of pain can increase the risk of bleeding and stomach ulcers when taken with NSAIDs.
Choice C is wrong because taking the medication on an empty stomach can increase the risk of stomach irritation and ulcers.
Choice D is wrong because taking the medication after exercising does not prevent the progression of disease or joint damage.
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