What risk should the nurse identify when planning care for an older adult client prescribed hydroxyzine?

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine with sedative properties often used for anxiety or as a preoperative medication. In older adults, one significant concern is the increased risk for falls associated with its use. This arises from hydroxyzine’s potential to cause sedation, dizziness, and altered balance or coordination, particularly in a population that may already be frail or have impaired mobility.

The sedative effects of hydroxyzine can be more pronounced in older adults due to age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, including decreased liver function and an increased sensitivity to psychoactive drugs. Thus, when planning care for this population, it is vital to assess the environment for safety and implement fall prevention strategies.

While dehydration, infection, and constipation are relevant concerns in older adults, they are not as directly associated with the use of hydroxyzine as the risk for falls. Dehydration is common in older adults but is more related to immobility, medication side effects, or underlying health conditions rather than specifically to hydroxyzine. Similarly, while constipation can be a side effect of certain medications, it is not a primary concern for hydroxyzine compared to the immediate and observable risk of falls due to its sedative effects.