Case Study, Chapter 11, Health Care of the Older Adult

1. The nurse working at the senior center notices Mrs. Jones, a 78-year-old, crying. The nurse approaches Mrs. Jones and asks if she needs help. Mrs. Jones states “I am so embarrassed. I had another accident and my pants are all wet. It’s like I’m a baby. I never should have come to the senior center.” 

1. What factors may be contributing to the urinary incontinence?
2. How should the nurse respond to Mrs. Jones?

2. The nurse is completing the admission assessment for a patient scheduled for cataract surgery in the outpatient center. Because the patient is over the age of 70 and has several chronic conditions, including hypertension and congestive heart failure, the nurse focuses on completing a thorough medication history. 

1. What questions should the nurse include in the medication history?
2. The patient states that she stopped taking one of her medications due to cost, since her health insurance would not reimburse for the medication. What are other reasons that older adults may be noncompliant with ordered medications?
3. How does aging affect drug absorption, metabolism, distribution, and excretion?