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

First-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine have strong anticholinergic properties, causing confusion, urinary retention, and constipation in older adults.

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

STOPP (Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions) is a European evidence-based tool that identifies potentially inappropriate prescribing in older adults.

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 overestimates renal function in older adults due to decreased muscle mass; the Cockcroft-Gault equation provides a more accurate creatinine clearance estimate.

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

NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandins that protect the gastric mucosa and maintain renal perfusion, placing older adults at significantly higher risk for GI bleeding and kidney injury.

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

Metformin is contraindicated in significant renal impairment because decreased excretion causes drug accumulation and life-threatening lactic acidosis.

Gerontological Nurse Test Practice Test

Gerontological Nurse Test Practice Test

Gerontological Nurse Test Pharmacology in Older Adults 3