Health Conditions
Which health condition can cause low blood sugar, confusion, and dizziness whole driving?
Diabetes
What type of medication is commonly used for pain but can cause drowsiness and impaired judgment?
Opioids
What is one sign that an older adult may no longer be safe to drive?
Getting lost, hitting curbs, dents on the car, confusing pedals, delayed braking.
Who is often involved in decisions about whether an older adult should continue driving?
The older adult, family members, and healthcare providers.
True or False: A history of stroke can affect a person's driving ability?
True
Which over the counter medications can cause sleepiness and blurred vision?
Antihistamines
True or false: New dents and scratches on a car may indicate unsafe driving.
True
True or false: Age alone determines whether someone is a safe driver.
False
Name one symptom of Parkinson's disease that can make driving difficult?
Tremors, muscle stiffness, or slow movement
What is polypharmacy?
Taking multiple medications at the same time.
What does “pedal confusion” mean?
Mistaking the gas pedal for the brake pedal.
What is one responsibility nurses have when caring for older adults who drive?
Assess cognition, review medications, educate patients and families, or refer for evaluation.
Which condition can cause memory loss and poor judgment?
Dementia
Name two medications classes that may affect driving
Sleeping pills, opioids, antihistamines, or anti anxiety medications
Name three warning signs that someone may no longer be safe to drive.
Getting Lost, hitting the curb, denting the car, confusing gas and brake pedals, delayed braking, family feels unsafe riding with them
What is one alternative to driving that nurses can discuss with older adults?
Family transportation, ride-sharing services, public transportation, or community shuttles.
Name 2 health conditions discussed today that may affect driving safely.
Diabetes, Stroke, Dementia, Parkinson's
Why should nurses review an older adult's medication list regularly?
To identify side effects and interactions that may affect driving safety.
An older adult accidentally drives into a storefront. Name two possible reasons why this may happen.
Pedal confusion, panic reactions, cognitive decline.
Discussion question: Should family members take away car keys if someone is unsafe to drive? Why or why not?
Open discussion