Question

A home health care nurse has observed that a client 80 years of age, who has multiple chronic health problems, takes a

total of 19 medications on either a scheduled or PRN (as needed) basis. How should the nurse address this client's risk
of harm from polypharmacy?
A) Ensure that the client's care is coordinated and encourage the primary care provider to review her medication regimen.
B) Recommend holistic and herbal remedies to replace some of the medications.
C) Contact the client's local pharmacy to discuss possible changes to her medication regimen.
D) Encourage the client to reduce her medication load by withholding some medications when she is asymptomatic.

Answer 1

The nurse should ensure that the client's care is coordinated and encourage the primary care provider to review the medication regimen to address the client's risk of harm from polypharmacy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should address the client's risk of harm from polypharmacy by ensuring that the client's care is coordinated and encouraging the primary care provider to review the medication regimen.

Polypharmacy refers to the use of multiple medications by an individual, which can lead to an increased risk of adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, and medication nonadherence.

By coordinating the client's care and involving the primary care provider, the nurse can help minimize the risk of harm and ensure that the client's medication regimen is appropriate and optimized.