Question

Your 70-year-old client, Max, is 1-hour post-op following a total hip replacement. On arrival to his room, Max tells you that his hip pain is an 8 on a scale of 1-10. As per the doctor’s order, you administer Demerol 50 mg IM. Max is usually up ad lib, and alert and oriented. However, he is a little sleepy and confused following the pain medication.

In a Word document, answer the following:

1. What safety concerns exist for Max?
2. What interventions would we take to ensure Max’s safety?
3. Is Demerol a good choice for 70-year-old Max? Why or why not?
4. You are in a discharge meeting for Max which is also attended by Max’s wife, the RN leading the team today, physical therapy, and a pharmacist. Max’s wife would like him to return home, but isn’t sure how she will manage. What type of services could help Max safely return home?

Answer 1

Safety concerns for the patient need medication follow-up to relieve pain. this medication cause dizziness. assess the patient neurological condition every 4 hours for any changes. Demerol is a pain reliever and sedation, but with a patient who had total hip replacement surgery need medication follow-up, careful monitoring of the patient's condition is important. surgery need to avoid the low risk of blood clots, stroke, pneumonia, arrhythmias...
Move the patient early using crutches or walker, followup medication should be administered to thin the blood clot, apply a pressure bandage, elastic compression stockings to lower legs.
safe medication practice is important for older adults. older patients more sensitive to this medicine's side effects, it is better to avoid this medicine for the older adults and limiting the dose and duration of use. safety recommendations for this patient by assessing their neurological status, this medicaiton increase the patient risk of toxicity.
Phsyical therapy for the older patient in an out patient rehabilitaiton center, inpatient rehabilitation services, and at home help to restore the independence slowly.