Which of the following issues related to pharmacotherapy represents the greatest possible risk to an older client's health?
A) Problems administering medications secondary to swallowing difficulties
B) Older adults' decreased ability to metabolize and excrete medications
C) Simultaneous prescription of multiple drugs
D) Older adults' use of alternative remedies
Ans: C
Feedback:
The term that describes the use of many drugs simultaneously in the same client is polypharmacy. Because the number of physical problems tends to increase with age, many clients have several different medical conditions that require treatment. Problems arise when no single physician oversees all the medications for compatibility and client adherence. When a client adds over-the-counter medications, medical repercussions can be severe.
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