Which of the following is not a side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in older adults?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Extrapyramidal symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are not known to cause extrapyramidal symptoms, which are more commonly associated with antipsychotic medications. SSRIs can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, irritation, and hyponatremia in older adults due to their effects on serotonin levels and platelet function. Extrapyramidal symptoms involve movement disorders like tremors and muscle rigidity, which are not typically seen with SSRIs. Therefore, A is the correct answer.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Suprapubic. Disorders in the kidneys and ureters typically cause pain in the flank, abdomen, and back due to the location of these organs. The kidneys are located in the flank region, so kidney issues may cause flank pain. Ureters run down towards the bladder, so issues in this area can cause pain in the abdomen and back. Suprapubic pain usually indicates issues with the bladder or lower urinary tract, not the kidneys or ureters. Therefore, suprapubic pain is not typically associated with disorders in the kidneys and ureters.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Obtain an ultrasound of the liver. This is the most appropriate next step to assess the patient's enlarged liver in the context of COPD. Ultrasound can provide detailed images of the liver to identify potential causes of enlargement, such as fatty liver disease or liver cirrhosis. Percussing the lower border (Choice A) or measuring the span of the liver (Choice B) may provide some information but are less specific and may not identify the underlying cause. Ordering a hepatitis panel (Choice C) would focus only on viral hepatitis as a potential cause, while an ultrasound can provide a broader evaluation of liver structure and function.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The purpose of the expanded assessment when using the LAPSS is to determine whether there are other possible causes of the patient's signs and symptoms. This is because LAPSS primarily focuses on identifying stroke symptoms, so the expanded assessment helps rule out other potential conditions. Option A is incorrect because LAPSS does not primarily assess circulation. Option B is incorrect because LAPSS is not specifically designed to determine compartment syndrome. Option D is incomplete and does not provide any information to support it as the correct answer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because in an older adult with an indwelling urinary catheter, a fever >100°F can be a sign of urinary tract infection (UTI) or urosepsis. Given her acute decline in mental status and fever, empiric antibiotic therapy is warranted to treat a potential infection. Choice B is incorrect because older adults with indwelling catheters are at increased risk for UTIs and bloodstream infections. Choice C is incorrect as obtaining a urine culture is important to confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate antibiotic therapy. Choice D is incorrect as the duration of antibiotic treatment for a UTI is typically longer than 3 days.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because beneficiaries do have out-of-pocket expenses for each prescription filled under Medicare Part D. This is typically in the form of copayments or coinsurance. A: Medicare Advantage plans often include Part D coverage, making statement A true. B: There are indeed multiple companies offering Part D plans, so statement B is true. C: The monthly premium for Part D coverage can vary, but in 2019 it was indeed around $30, making statement C true as well.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B (Pain) because pain is a common symptom in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory joint conditions. Tenderness, warmth, and redness are more specific to inflammatory joint problems. Tenderness indicates localized inflammation, warmth suggests increased blood flow and inflammation, and redness signifies dilated blood vessels and inflammation. Therefore, pain alone is less helpful in determining if a joint problem is inflammatory compared to the other symptoms.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: A dull pain or cramp. In peripheral artery disease, calf pain is typically described as a dull ache or cramp due to inadequate blood flow to the muscles during exercise. This pain is known as claudication. Choice A is incorrect as sharp, stabbing pain is not typically associated with peripheral artery disease. Choice C, an electric shock, is more indicative of nerve-related conditions. Choice D, a pulsating pain, is more characteristic of an aneurysm rather than peripheral artery disease.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: A bone marrow examination. Acute lymphocytic leukemia is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow's ability to produce normal blood cells. A bone marrow examination is necessary to confirm the diagnosis by analyzing the bone marrow cells for abnormality. A complete blood count (choice A) can show abnormalities in blood cell counts but cannot confirm leukemia. Magnetic resonance imaging (choice B) and nuclear bone scan (choice C) are imaging tests that can show bone abnormalities but are not specific for diagnosing leukemia.