Question

Elderly individuals often experience decreased liver function, which can impact drug metabolism. Which factor is reduced due to this decrease in liver function?

A) Absorption of medications
B) Enzymes for metabolism
C) Kidney function
D) Cardiac output

Answer 1

Decreased liver function in elderly individuals leads to reduced enzymes for metabolism, which impacts drug metabolism.

Step-by-step explanation:

Elderly individuals often experience a reduction in liver function, which can significantly impact drug metabolism. The liver is responsible for the breakdown or modification of various substances, including medicinal products, in a process known as drug metabolism. When there is a decrease in liver function, what is reduced is B) Enzymes for metabolism.

The liver's enzymatic capabilities are central to its role in metabolizing medications. With age or disease, the liver's ability to produce these enzymes diminishes, leading to slower drug metabolism and the potential for accumulation of drugs or their metabolites in the body. This reduction in the availability of enzymes for drug metabolism can result in altered drug efficacy and increased risk of adverse effects.