A nurse is providing care for an elderly client whose analgesia has been ordered by the IV route. While reviewing the client's medication administration record, the nurse observes that the dosage range differs from that of most young adult clients

Question

What is the most likely rationale for this difference? A) Older adults are often more susceptible to toxic drug effects than younger adults
B) Older adults typically require higher doses than younger adults to achieve a therapeutic effect
C) Older adults tend to absorb drugs into their adipose tissue, requiring lower doses
D) Older adults benefit from more frequent administration of lower doses of drugs

Answer 1

A
Feedback:
Older adults tend to metabolize and excrete drugs at a slower rate. This factor may predispose them to toxic effects from accumulation of medications. As well, older adults tend to have more free drug in proportion to bound drug because of diminished protein components in their blood and may, therefore, experience an increased effect from the drug. Both of these phenomena necessitate lower doses. Increased frequency of administration does not offset these factors.