A nurse who provides care to older adult clients must be aware that which factors may increase the risk for adverse drug reactions in this population?
1. Longevity results in increased risk for illnesses, which may require multiple medications.
2. Many older clients will use over-the-counter medications to treat common symptoms such as constipation or joint pain in addition to prescription drugs.
3. Older clients may see several health care specialists.
4. The rate of absorption in older clients is unpredictable.
5. Increased volume of total body water results in an increase in concentrations of drugs in the blood.
Correct Answer: 1,2,3
Rationale 1: Longevity inevitably leads to increased illnesses, which in turn necessitate the use of multiple medications, which may result in adverse reactions.
Rationale 2: When a client takes over-the-counter drugs in conjunction with prescribed medication, polypharmacy may occur, resulting in adverse reactions.
Rationale 3: Adverse reactions may occur when multiple health providers prescribe medications.
Rationale 4: The rate of absorption is predictable and would not cause an adverse reaction.
Rationale 5: The decreased volume of total body water may lead to higher concentrations of drugs in the serum.
Global Rationale: Longevity inevitably leads to increased illnesses, which in turn necessitate the use of multiple medications, which may result in adverse reactions. When a client takes over-the-counter drugs in conjunction with prescribed medication, polypharmacy may occur, resulting in adverse reactions. Adverse reactions may occur when multiple health providers prescribe medications. The rate of absorption is predictable and would not cause an adverse reaction. The decreased volume of total body water may lead to higher concentrations of drugs in the serum.
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