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

Polypharmacy is typically defined as the concurrent use of five or more medications, which substantially increases the risk of adverse drug reactions and interactions.

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

Acetaminophen exceeding 3 grams per day in older adults, especially those with liver disease or heavy alcohol use, poses a significant hepatotoxicity risk.

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

Combining warfarin and aspirin significantly increases bleeding risk; the nurse must monitor for bleeding signs and communicate this high-risk interaction to the prescriber.

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

Reduced splanchnic blood flow and delayed gastric emptying slow the rate of drug absorption but generally do not significantly reduce total drug absorbed.

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

Yellow-green visual halos are a classic sign of digoxin toxicity, which is more common in older adults due to reduced renal clearance.

Gerontological Nurse Test Practice Test

Gerontological Nurse Test Practice Test

Gerontological Nurse Test Pharmacology in Older Adults 2