Gerontological Nurse Test Pharmacology in Older Adults 2

Question 1

Polypharmacy in older adults is generally defined as the concurrent use of how many or more medications?

Accepted Answer

5 or more

Answer

3 or more

Answer

8 or more

Answer

10 or more

Question 2

Which analgesic is considered potentially inappropriate for older adults and should generally be avoided due to hepatotoxicity risk with chronic use?

Accepted Answer

Acetaminophen (exceeding 3g/day)

Answer

Ibuprofen

Answer

Naproxen

Answer

Celecoxib

Question 3

A nurse notices an older adult patient is taking both warfarin and aspirin. The priority nursing action is to:

Accepted Answer

Monitor for signs of bleeding and notify the provider of the potential interaction

Answer

Administer both medications as prescribed without concern

Answer

Hold warfarin until aspirin therapy is complete

Answer

Administer a vitamin K supplement immediately

Question 4

Which age-related gastrointestinal change affects oral drug absorption in older adults?

Accepted Answer

Decreased splanchnic blood flow and delayed gastric emptying

Answer

Increased gastric acid production

Answer

Enhanced small intestinal absorption surface

Answer

Increased intestinal motility

Question 5

A gerontological nurse is educating a patient about digoxin therapy. Which sign of digoxin toxicity should the patient report immediately?

Accepted Answer

Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos

Answer

Mild constipation

Answer

Occasional headache

Answer

Mild ankle swelling

Question 6

When initiating a new medication in an older adult, which prescribing principle should guide dosing?

Accepted Answer

'Start low, go slow' to minimize adverse effects

Answer

'Start high, taper down' to achieve faster therapeutic effect

Answer

Use standard adult doses unless the patient weighs less than 60 kg

Answer

Double the dose if no effect is seen within 24 hours