NUR 418 Med Surg Remediation

Anticholinergics are not usually prescribed to older people. The elderly are more sensitive to their effects compared to younger adults. The medicines are known to cause confusion, memory loss, worsening of mental function, and other cognitive effects in the elderly. The drugs should also not be used in people with the following conditions: • myasthenia gravis • hyperthyroidism • glaucoma • enlarged prostate • hypertension (high blood pressure) • blockage of the urinary tract • increased heart rate (tachycardia) • heart failure • severe dry mouth • hiatal hernia • severe constipation • liver disease • Down’s syndrome They should also not be used by people with an allergy to anticholinergic agents. Tell your doctor if you have any of the above conditions or have a history of allergies to medications in this drug class. The medication may cause a decrease in sweating, and your body temperature may increase as a result. You should use extra caution to not become overheated during exercise, hot baths, or in a hot weather. The decrease in sweating can result in heat stroke.