Age Specific Considerations in Patient Care Related

Review Age Specific Considerations in Patient Care related questions and content

A nurse assesses four patients between the ages of 70 and 80. Which patient has the highest risk for alcohol abuse? The patient who:

  • A. consumes 1 glass of wine nightly with dinner
  • B. began drinking alcohol daily after retirement and says, 'A few drinks keep my mind off my arthritis.'
  • C. drank socially throughout adult life and continues this pattern, saying 'Ive earned the right to do as I please.'
  • D. abused alcohol between the ages of 25 and 40 but now abstains and occasionally attends Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Alcohol abuse and dependence can develop at any age, and the geriatric population is particularly at risk. Losses, such as retirement, widowhood, and loneliness, are often related. The distracters describe patients with a lower risk for alcohol abuse.