LVN Geriatric Care 2

Question 1

An elderly patient is on multiple medications. Which term describes the use of five or more medications simultaneously, common in older adults?

Accepted Answer

Polypharmacy

Answer

Polypharmacy refers to the concurrent use of five or more medications and increases the risk of adverse drug reactions in elderly patients.

Question 2

Which age-related change most significantly slows drug elimination in older adults?

Accepted Answer

Reduced renal function

Answer

Reduced renal function (decreased GFR) is the primary reason drugs are eliminated more slowly in elderly patients, raising toxicity risk.

Question 3

An 82-year-old resident is prescribed a benzodiazepine for sleep. What is the priority nursing concern?

Accepted Answer

Increased fall risk

Answer

Benzodiazepines cause sedation and impaired balance in elderly patients, significantly increasing fall and fracture risk.

Question 4

When administering medications to an older adult with dysphagia, which action is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Consult the pharmacist for liquid alternatives or crushable medications

Answer

The pharmacist should be consulted to identify safe alternatives, as not all medications are safe to crush or dissolve.

Question 5

A 78-year-old patient shows confusion, urinary retention, and dry mouth after a new medication is started. These signs are consistent with which drug effect?

Accepted Answer

Anticholinergic toxicity

Answer

Anticholinergic toxicity presents with confusion, urinary retention, dry mouth, and constipation, and is especially dangerous in elderly patients.

(LVN) Licensed Vocational Nurse Practice Test

(LVN) Licensed Vocational Nurse Practice Test

LVN Geriatric Care 2