Why is polypharmacy so prevalent in the elderly population?
1. Multiple medical problems can usually be treated with a single drug.
2. Clients rarely see more than one prescriber.
3. Clients might be taking multiple medications for their comorbidities.
4. Use of over-the-counter medications is uncommon in this age group.
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Multiple medical problems usually require the use of several drugs.
Rationale 2: Seeing more than one prescriber is typical of elderly clients.
Rationale 3: Many comorbidities increase the likelihood of polypharmacy.
Rationale 4: Use of over-the-counter medications is more common, not less, in the elderly.
Global Rationale: Many comorbidities increase the likelihood of polypharmacy. Multiple medical problems usually require the use of several drugs. Seeing more than one prescriber is typical of elderly clients. Use of over-the-counter medications is more common, not less, in the elderly.
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