Question

Rachaels age indicates caution with administering opoid drugs. Outline three changes that occur with ageing that might effect the pharmacokinetics of morphine in her body?

Answer 1

As people age, several changes occur in their bodies which impact the pharmacokinetics of morphine, including decreased liver function, reduced renal function, and altered body composition.

Step-by-step explanation:

Rachaels age and the Effect on the Pharmacokinetics of Morphine

As people age, several changes occur in their bodies that can affect the pharmacokinetics of drugs like morphine. Here are three changes that could impact how morphine is processed in Rachaels body:

1. Decreased liver function: The liver plays a key role in metabolizing drugs. With age, the liver may become less efficient, leading to slower metabolism of morphine. This can result in a longer duration of action and increased exposure to the drug.
2. Reduced renal function: The kidneys help eliminate drugs from the body. Age-related decline in kidney function can lead to decreased elimination of morphine, prolonging its effects and increasing the risk of accumulation.
3. Altered body composition: As people age, their body composition changes, with a decrease in lean body mass and an increase in body fat. Since morphine is highly lipophilic (has an affinity for fat tissues), these changes can affect its distribution and clearance in the body.