Older Adult Pharmacology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a common cause of adverse drug reactions (ADR) in older adults?

Lack of social engagement

Polypharmacy (correct)

Age-related policy changes

Reduced access to healthcare services

Which of the following is NOT a recommended strategy to promote medication adherence in older adults?

Regular follow-up monitoring

Using clearly labeled and easy-to-open containers

Patient education on their medications

Providing complex drug regimens (correct)

What is a potential consequence of orthostatic hypotension caused by antihypertensive drugs in older adults?

Improved social engagement

Enhanced metabolic rates

Increased cognitive function

Falls resulting in fractures (correct)

Which factor contributes to medication nonadherence among older adults?

Complex drug regimen Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant impact of adverse drug reactions on older adults?

Increased hospital admissions Signup and view all the answers

How does aging affect gastric absorption of acid drugs?

Increased gastric pH delays absorption Signup and view all the answers

What effect does decreased serum albumin have on drug levels in older adults?

Increases levels of free drugs due to decreased binding Signup and view all the answers

Which change occurs in the volume of distribution in older adults?

Increased percentage of body fat raises drug concentration Signup and view all the answers

How does hepatic metabolism change with age?

Declines due to reduced hepatic blood flow Signup and view all the answers

What is a common result of decreased blood flow to the GI tract in older adults?

Reduced effectiveness of orally administered drugs Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of pharmacological treatment in older adults?

Reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can contribute to non-adherence to drug treatment plans in older adults?

Low levels of educational attainment. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Beers list primarily aim to address?

Identifying medications that are potentially inappropriate for older adults. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is crucial for effective clinical decision making in older adults?

Recognizing and prioritizing patient problems. Signup and view all the answers

How do pharmacokinetic changes in older adults affect drug administration?

They can lead to increased sensitivity to drugs. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of adverse drug reactions in the older adult population?

Lower kidney function affecting drug clearance. Signup and view all the answers

Which measure can help promote adherence to drug treatment plans for older adults?

Simplifying medication regimens. Signup and view all the answers

What role does critical thinking play in medication administration for older adults?

It ensures accurate and safe administration of medications. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Older Adult Pharmacology

Older adults are more sensitive to drugs compared to younger adults.
They are more likely to have multiple chronic illnesses requiring multiple medications daily.
The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Treatment should be individualized for each patient and monitored closely for both desired and adverse responses.

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs)

Older adults are at a higher risk for ADRs.
ADRs can lead to hospital admissions, injuries, and harm.
Symptoms in older adults often don't present with specific characteristics.

Common Causes of ADRs in Older Adults

Altered pharmacokinetics due to age-related changes.
Drug-disease interactions.
Polypharmacy (taking multiple medications).
Medication mismanagement.

Beers Criteria

Created by Dr. Beers in 1991 with ongoing updates.
Includes medication classes that should be avoided or used with caution in older adults.
Aims to reduce the risk of adverse drug events in older adults.

Pharmacokinetic Changes in Older Adults

Absorption:
- Delayed gastric emptying leading to prolonged absorption time.
- Increased gastric pH (alkaline), which slows down the absorption of acid drugs.
- Decreased blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract.
Distribution:
- Increased body fat percentage.
- Decreased lean muscle mass percentage.
- Decreased total body water.
- Reduced serum albumin levels.
Metabolism:
- Hepatic metabolism declines with age.
- Reduced hepatic blood flow, liver mass, and enzyme activity.
- Increased drug half-life resulting in prolonged drug effects.
Excretion:
- Decreased renal function, leading to slower drug excretion.
- Higher risk of drug accumulation and toxicity.

Protein Binding

Drugs bind to proteins in the blood, mainly albumin.
Reduced serum albumin levels in older adults lead to decreased drug binding and increased free drug levels.
Increased free drug levels can result in higher drug efficacy and a greater risk of side effects.

Medication Nonadherence

Cost and access to medication.
Side effects from medication.
Lack of perceived need for the medication.
Complex medication regimens.

Promoting Medication Adherence

Clear, concise verbal and written instructions.
Simplified drug regimens.
Clearly labeled and easy-to-open containers.
Daily reminders.
Patient education on their medications.
Support system for medication adherence.
Regular monitoring of clinical response and plasma drug levels.
Monitoring for drug-drug interactions.
Access to cost-effective generic medications when possible.
Home delivery options for medication.

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Description

Test your knowledge on pharmacology specific to older adults. This quiz covers their unique sensitivities to drugs, the risks of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and the importance of individualized treatment. Familiarize yourself with the Beers Criteria and understand the implications of polypharmacy.