ACC Medication Management and Health Monitoring 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which vital sign change should prompt a caregiver to contact a healthcare provider for an Alzheimer's patient?
- Blood pressure of 118/76 mmHg
- Temperature of 99.1°F after exercise
- Heart rate consistently above 100 bpm at rest (Correct answer)
- Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
Correct answer: Heart rate consistently above 100 bpm at rest
A sustained resting heart rate above 100 bpm (tachycardia) can indicate infection, dehydration, or cardiac issues requiring medical evaluation.
Question 2: Why should over-the-counter antihistamines (like diphenhydramine) be used cautiously in Alzheimer's patients?
- They cause hypertension
- They have anticholinergic effects that can worsen cognitive impairment and confusion (Correct answer)
- They increase the risk of seizures
- They reduce the effectiveness of Alzheimer's medications by blocking absorption
Correct answer: They have anticholinergic effects that can worsen cognitive impairment and confusion
Diphenhydramine's anticholinergic properties block acetylcholine, which can worsen memory and confusion in Alzheimer's patients.
Question 3: An Alzheimer's patient refuses to swallow their pill. Which caregiver response is most appropriate?
- Crush all pills and add to food without checking
- Consult the pharmacist or prescriber about whether the medication can be crushed or given in a different form (Correct answer)
- Skip the dose permanently
- Force the patient to open their mouth
Correct answer: Consult the pharmacist or prescriber about whether the medication can be crushed or given in a different form
Some medications cannot be crushed (e.g., extended-release formulas) — always verify with a pharmacist before altering dosage forms.
Question 4: What does 'PRN' mean on a medication order for an Alzheimer's patient?
- Give every night at bedtime
- Give as needed, based on specific symptoms or triggers (Correct answer)
- Give only with food
- Give by IV route only
Correct answer: Give as needed, based on specific symptoms or triggers
PRN (pro re nata) means 'as needed,' requiring caregivers to use clinical judgment about when specific symptoms warrant administration.
Question 5: Which behavior might indicate an Alzheimer's patient is experiencing uncontrolled pain?
- Increased participation in activities
- Increased agitation, grimacing, or moaning (Correct answer)
- Asking for extra meals
- Sleeping longer than usual without distress
Correct answer: Increased agitation, grimacing, or moaning
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's often cannot verbally express pain, so behavioral cues like agitation and grimacing serve as pain indicators.
Question 6: How often should an Alzheimer's patient's medication list be reviewed by a healthcare provider?
- Only when a new symptom appears
- At least every 6–12 months or with any significant health change (Correct answer)
- Once every 5 years
- Only when the patient requests it
Correct answer: At least every 6–12 months or with any significant health change
Regular medication reviews every 6–12 months ensure continued appropriateness, catch drug interactions, and adjust for disease progression.
ACC Medication Management and Health Monitoring 2
Which vital sign change should prompt a caregiver to contact a healthcare provider for an Alzheimer's patient?