The nurse at a long-term care facility is teaching unlicensed care providers about some of the factors that characterize adverse drug reactions in the elderly residents. Which teaching points are valid? (Select all that apply.)

Question

A) "Even when a resident stops taking a drug, a reaction can take place after the fact.".
B) "Even when a resident has been taking a drug for a long time, a drug reaction can still occur.".
C) "Most 'drug reactions' are in fact age-related changes that are mistakenly attributed to medications.".
D) "Older adults often have signs and symptoms of adverse reactions that are very different from those of younger adults.".
E) "While older adults are prone to adverse reactions, these reactions tend to resolve more quickly than in younger people.".

Answer 1

A, B, D
Feedback:
An adverse reaction to a drug may be demonstrated even after the drug has been discontinued. Adverse reactions can develop suddenly even with a drug that has been used over a long period of time without problems. The signs and symptoms of an adverse reaction to a given drug may differ in older persons. Most drug reactions are not age-related changes. Adverse drug reactions do not resolve more quickly in older patients than in younger people.