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Are outdated medications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While some may consider tricyclic antidepressants outdated, they are still used for certain conditions, including neuropathic pain.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","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Improvement in activities of daily living (ADLs) and displaying hopefulness in interactions with others are positive nonverbal cues indicating that therapy and medication are effective. These improvements suggest that Edward is regaining interest in daily activities and looking forward to the future.
Choice B reason:
Being less tearful and able to discuss openly the loss of his grandfather with friends and in group settings are signs that Edward is processing his grief and benefiting from therapy. Open communication about his loss indicates emotional progress and acceptance.
Choice C reason:
Continuing to isolate is not a positive nonverbal cue. Isolation suggests that Edward is still struggling with his depressive symptoms and not fully engaging with his support system. This behavior indicates that further intervention may be needed.
Choice D reason:
Smiling appropriately and interacting with peers are positive nonverbal cues that therapy and medication are working. These behaviors show that Edward is beginning to re-engage socially and experience moments of joy and connection.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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.