Gerontological Nurse Test Pharmacology in Older Adults 3

Question 1

Which class of medications commonly causes anticholinergic side effects that are particularly harmful in older adults?

Accepted Answer

First-generation antihistamines

Answer

Beta-blockers

Answer

ACE inhibitors

Answer

Proton pump inhibitors

Question 2

A nurse is reviewing the medication list of an older adult using the STOPP criteria. STOPP stands for:

Accepted Answer

Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions

Answer

Systematic Tool for Older Persons' Prescribing

Answer

Standard Treatment Options for Pharmacy Practice

Answer

Safe Therapy Optimization Protocol for Prescribers

Question 3

Which laboratory value is the most reliable indicator of renal function for dosing medications in older adults?

Accepted Answer

Creatinine clearance calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault equation

Answer

Serum creatinine alone

Answer

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

Answer

24-hour urine protein

Question 4

NSAIDs are generally considered inappropriate for older adults primarily because they increase risk of:

Accepted Answer

GI bleeding, renal impairment, and fluid retention

Answer

Hypoglycemia

Answer

Respiratory depression

Answer

Serotonin syndrome

Question 5

A patient taking metformin for type 2 diabetes is admitted with acute kidney injury. The nurse's priority action regarding metformin is to:

Accepted Answer

Hold metformin and notify the provider due to risk of lactic acidosis

Answer

Continue the medication as prescribed to maintain glucose control

Answer

Increase the dose to compensate for altered glucose metabolism during illness

Answer

Switch to a sliding scale insulin regimen without notifying the provider

Question 6

The nurse is performing a medication reconciliation for a newly admitted older adult. Which finding is most concerning and requires immediate provider notification?

Accepted Answer

Patient takes both a tricyclic antidepressant and an SSRI

Answer

Patient takes a daily multivitamin

Answer

Patient takes calcium with vitamin D

Answer

Patient takes a statin at bedtime