Question

The nurse in a long-term care facility is preparing to administer medications. Which physiological changes does the nurse know will affect medication pharmacokinetics in older adults?

A
Due to a decrease in renal drug excretion, a greater risk for adverse medication effects exists. Correct Answer (Blank)
B
Due to an increase in glomerular filtration rates, medications are excreted more rapidly.
C
Due to an increase in metabolism, medications are prescribed more frequently
D
Due to a decrease in gastric emptying, higher medication doses are prescribed.

Answer 1

In older adults,(A) a decrease in renal drug excretion due to reduced glomerular filtration rates affects medication pharmacokinetics, increasing the risk of adverse medication effects. This necessitates careful monitoring and potential dose adjustments.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse in a long-term care facility is preparing to administer medications and must be aware of various physiological changes that will affect medication pharmacokinetics in older adults. One key change is a decrease in renal drug excretion, making older adults more susceptible to adverse medication effects. This is due to a decrease in the glomerular filtration rate, leading to a slower clearance of drugs from the body. Conversely, increases in glomerular filtration rates, metabolism, and gastric emptying are not typically associated with the aging process, and thus do not describe typical changes impacting pharmacokinetics in the elderly.

The concept of pharmacokinetics involves understanding how the body affects a drug through absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). Age can influence all these factors, with elderly individuals potentially experiencing reduced renal function, slower hepatic metabolism, and changes in body composition that can affect drug distribution. Medication regimens might need to be adjusted accordingly to avoid toxicity or therapeutic ineffectiveness.

Elderly patients often require careful monitoring and sometimes dose adjustments to maintain efficacy and reduce the risk of adverse side effects. These considerations are critical in providing safe and effective medication management for older adults.