A nurse is administering medication to an older adult client. The nurse is aware that the client's half-life is longer than that of middle-aged adults. What nursing intervention is indicated by this premise?
a. Provide higher doses to achieve therapeutic effects.
b. Assess the client for adverse reactions.
c. Monitor the client for signs of accumulation.
d. Provide education to the client on drug reactions.
ANS: C
Because older adults may have less efficient medication elimination, monitoring for accumulation is an important component of nursing care.
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