Polypharmacy Video Questions
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to an older adult client who is taking multiple medications. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
"You should consult your provider before taking an herbal supplement." The nurse should instruct the client to discuss taking any new medications, including herbal supplements, with the provider. This is especially true for the older adult client who is taking multiple medications due to the potential for adverse reactions and medication interactions.
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of an older adult client who is taking multiple medications. Which of the following findings could impact the client's ability to distribute medication throughout his system?
Albumin 3.0 When a client is taking multiple medications, especially medications that are protein-bound, an albumin level that is below the expected reference range impacts the client's ability to distribute medications throughout his system. The poor distribution decreases the effectiveness of the medication and leads to low serum drug levels. Drug toxicity can be the end result of a medication dosage adjustment based on a low serum drug level.
A nurse is reviewing the medication list of an older adult client and notes the client is taking simvastatin for hypercholesterolemia as well as multiple herbal supplements. Which of the following supplements indicated on the client's medication list can decrease this medication?
St. john's wort Polypharmacy occurs when a client is taking multiple medications, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications. The nurse should be aware of the interactions between medications and herbal supplements. St. John's wort can decrease the effect of simvastatin. Therefore, the nurse should notify the provider that the client is taking this medication and herbal supplement combination.
A nurse is admitting an older adult client who is scheduled for surgery and is completing medication reconciliation process for which of the following situations?
The client returns to the unit from the surgical site. It is important for the nurse to ensure that medication reconciliation is completed when a client is transferred from one level of care to another, even within the same facility. This process addresses omissions, interactions, and duplications that can lead to complications from polypharmacy in the older adult client.
a nurse is reviewing the medication list of an older adult client upon admission and notes that he is taking fluoxetine for depression. The nurse should identify that fluoxetine can increase the effects of which of the following medications that is also on the client's list?
Wafarin The nurse should recognize that this client's antidepressant medication, fluoxetine, can increase the effects of his anticoagulant medication, warfarin, which could lead to a potential toxicity.
