Name that Drug
This diuretic, nicknamed the “water pill,” can cause hypokalemia.
What is furosemide (Lasix)?
A blood pressure of 88/56 in a patient on lisinopril should make you do this before giving the med.
What is hold the med and notify the provider?
This is the most common cause of falls in older adults.
What is medication side effects / polypharmacy?
When giving medications through a G-tube, this is the most important step to prevent tube occlusion.
What is flush the tube with water before and after medication administration?
Your patient refuses their meds and says “I don’t trust pills.” First nursing action?
What is explore concerns / therapeutic communication?
This anti-seizure medication is commonly used in older adults and requires monitoring for mood changes.
What is levetiracetam (Keppra)?
A pulse of 52 in a patient on metoprolol means you should…
What is hold the med and reassess / notify provider?
True or False: Older adults always have a fever when infected.
What is False—may have atypical signs (confusion, fatigue)?
This approach can help residents eat better by making the meal experience more enjoyable.
What is encouraging social interaction during meals, creating a pleasant environment, and minimizing distractions?
Your resident with dementia becomes combative during morning care. Best approach?
What is step back, remain calm, redirect, and try again later?
This anticoagulant is taken once daily and doesn’t require regular INR checks.
What is rivaroxaban (Xarelto)?
A patient has a temperature of 101.5°F and is on antibiotics. You notice increased confusion and lethargy. What does this most likely indicate, and what is your next nursing step?
What is possible ineffective treatment or resistant infection; assess patient, notify provider, continue monitoring vitals and labs?
This vitamin helps with bone health and fracture prevention.
What is Vitamin D?
Patients taking warfarin should keep intake of this vitamin consistent.
What is Vitamin K (leafy greens)?
Your patient with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is showing subtle facial grimacing and restlessness. What should you do as a nurse?
What is recognize nonverbal pain cues, assess vital signs, administer prescribed pain meds, and document findings?
This beta blocker lowers heart rate and blood pressure; nurses must check HR before giving.
What is metoprolol (Lopressor)?
A patient with COPD on albuterol has a pulse of 140 bpm and complains of palpitations. What is your nursing priority?
What is assess patient, hold additional doses if appropriate, notify provider, and monitor for adverse cardiac effects?
This common geriatric condition requires both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions like fiber and fluids.
What is constipation?
This electrolyte supplement can cause GI upset and should be taken with food.
What is potassium?
The CNA tells you a resident is “acting weird.” Upon assessment, you find sudden confusion. What’s your next step?
What is assess vitals, check O2, blood sugar, infection signs?
This common pain reliever can increase the risk of bleeding if taken with anticoagulants like warfarin.
What is aspirin?
A patient on insulin shows a heart rate of 110 bpm and mild tremors, but their blood sugar reads 60 mg/dL. What is your priority nursing action?
What is recognize hypoglycemia, administer fast-acting glucose, recheck blood sugar, and monitor vitals?
Older adults are at higher risk for falls due to a combination of factors including muscle weakness, polypharmacy, and impaired balance. Name two nursing interventions to help prevent falls.
What are conducting fall risk assessments, ensuring safe environment (remove hazards, use proper lighting), encouraging mobility/exercise programs, and reviewing medications that may cause dizziness?
A patient with a G-tube is showing abdominal distention and vomiting during a continuous feeding. What should you do first?
What is stop the feeding, assess the patient, check tube placement, and notify the provider?
A resident with dementia refuses medications, food, and fluids for several hours. Vital signs are stable but the family is anxious. What is the nurse’s best approach?
What is assess the patient for immediate needs, use therapeutic communication, offer alternatives, involve the family appropriately, and document interventions?