Question

The nurse practices in a long-term care facility and understands that older adults are at greater risk for experiencing adverse effects from medications. What physiologic changes could contribute to these adverse effects?

1. Increased peristalsis and increased production of gastric acid
2. Decrease in total body water and an increase in proportion body fat
3. Increase in blood flow to the liver and decrease in liver mass
4. Decrease in blood flow to the kidneys and increase in kidney mass

Answer 1

Physiological changes that occur with aging can contribute to adverse effects of medications in older adults. These changes include a decrease in total body water, a decrease in blood flow to the kidneys, and increased peristalsis and gastric acid production in the digestive system.

Step-by-step explanation:

Older adults are at greater risk for experiencing adverse effects from medications due to physiological changes that occur with aging. The changes include:

1. Decrease in total body water and an increase in proportion body fat: As people age, they tend to have less water content in their bodies. This can affect the distribution and elimination of medications, leading to higher drug concentrations and prolonged drug effects.
2. Decrease in blood flow to the kidneys and increase in kidney mass: Reduced blood flow to the kidneys impairs their ability to filter and eliminate drugs from the body, increasing the risk of drug accumulation and toxicity.
3. Increased peristalsis and increased production of gastric acid: Age-related changes in the digestive system can alter the absorption and metabolism of medications, potentially leading to adverse effects.