Greene is an 85-year-old male placed on a 5150 by the crisis team after his nurse called them. He has taken a fall in his driveway after his dialysis. He has end-stage kidney disease, diabetes, and a history of myocardial infarction 4 years ago. He was living alone until his home health nurse found him crying out in pain, clutching onto his leg in the kitchen. “I’m so tired,” he says.Nortriptyline and some tricyclic antidepressants may be helpful with neuropathic pain but are often contraindicated in elderly clients such as Mr. Greene because (select the best answer)
Are outdated medications
Can increase cardiac side effects and urinary retention
Are only taken at night
Are expensive
Are expensive
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
While some may consider tricyclic antidepressants outdated, they are still used for certain conditions, including neuropathic pain. The primary concern with their use in elderly clients is not their age but their side effect profile.
Choice B reason:
Tricyclic antidepressants, including nortriptyline, can increase cardiac side effects and urinary retention, which are significant concerns in elderly clients. These medications can cause orthostatic hypotension, arrhythmias, and exacerbate urinary retention, making them less suitable for older adults with pre-existing health conditions.
Choice C reason:
The timing of medication administration (e.g., only taken at night) is not the primary issue with tricyclic antidepressants. The concern lies in their side effects, which can be particularly problematic for elderly clients.
Choice D reason:
While the cost of medication can be a factor in treatment decisions, it is not the primary reason tricyclic antidepressants are contraindicated in elderly clients. The main concern is their potential to cause serious side effects.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Anger is one of the stages of grief according to Kubler-Ross. Edward’s statement about wanting to punch his aunt reflects feelings of frustration and anger, which are common during this stage. Anger can be directed at various targets, including loved ones, healthcare providers, or even the deceased.
Choice B reason:
Denial is the initial stage of grief where individuals may refuse to accept the reality of the loss. Edward’s statement does not indicate denial but rather an active expression of anger and frustration.
Choice C reason:
Acceptance is the final stage of grief where individuals come to terms with the loss. Edward’s statement indicates unresolved anger, suggesting that he has not yet reached the stage of acceptance.
Choice D reason:
Bargaining involves making deals or promises in an attempt to reverse or lessen the loss. Edward’s statement does not reflect bargaining but rather anger towards his aunt for not informing him sooner.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Anger is a common stage of grief where individuals may feel frustration and helplessness. While Edward may experience anger, his primary issue appears to be more complex, involving feelings of guilt and abandonment, which are indicative of a more complicated form of grief.
Choice B reason:
Bargaining is another stage of grief where individuals may try to make deals or promises in an attempt to reverse or lessen the loss. Edward’s feelings of guilt and abandonment do not align with the bargaining stage but rather suggest a deeper, more complicated grief process.
Choice C reason:
Denial is the initial stage of grief where individuals may refuse to accept the reality of the loss. Edward’s acknowledgment of his feelings and his depressive symptoms indicate that he is not in denial but rather struggling with more complex emotions related to his loss.
Choice D reason:
Complex or disenfranchised grief refers to a prolonged and intense form of grief that can occur when the loss is not openly acknowledged or socially supported. Edward’s feelings of guilt and abandonment, along with his depressive symptoms, suggest that he is experiencing a more complicated form of grief that requires specialized support and intervention.