A nurse is caring for an older adult client. The nurse should recognize that which of the following considerations apply to older adults and pharmacology? (Select all that apply).
Parenteral medications are avoided due to fragility of veins.
Older adults are at risk for drug toxicity due to accumulation in the body.
The elderly population is susceptible to polypharmacy
Medication metabolism tends to be faster in older adults.
Older adults have delayed absorption.
Older adults may require larger doses of medications.
Correct Answer : B,C,E
A) Parenteral medications are avoided due to fragility of veins: While it is true that older adults may have fragile veins, this does not mean that parenteral medications are universally avoided. Parenteral medications are still used based on clinical needs, though careful consideration is given to the condition of the veins.
B) Older adults are at risk for drug toxicity due to accumulation in the body: This is correct. As people age, their liver and kidney functions often decline, leading to decreased metabolism and excretion of drugs. This can result in drug accumulation and an increased risk of toxicity.
C) The elderly population is susceptible to polypharmacy: This is correct. Older adults often take multiple medications for various chronic conditions, increasing the risk of drug interactions, side effects, and complications. Polypharmacy is a common issue in this population.
D) Medication metabolism tends to be faster in older adults: This is incorrect. Medication metabolism generally slows down in older adults due to decreased liver function. Slower metabolism can lead to drug accumulation and increased risk of adverse effects.
E) Older adults have delayed absorption: This is correct. Although the rate of absorption may not be significantly affected, the overall absorption can be altered due to changes in gastrointestinal function and blood flow in older adults.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Does not have an effect: Food can significantly affect drug dissolution and absorption, so it is not accurate to say it has no effect. The presence of food in the gastrointestinal tract can alter how drugs are absorbed.
B) Increases: While food can sometimes increase the absorption of certain medications by stimulating digestive processes, it generally does not increase drug absorption for all medications. In many cases, food can delay or decrease the rate of drug absorption.
C) Decreases: Food commonly decreases the rate and extent of drug absorption. This can occur because food may bind to the drug, alter the pH of the stomach, or affect gastric emptying, leading to reduced drug dissolution and absorption.
D) Enhances: Food generally does not enhance drug dissolution and absorption for most medications. While some medications are better absorbed with food, in many cases, food can reduce the rate at which a drug is absorbed, leading to decreased efficacy.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Distribution, Excretion, Absorption, Metabolism: This order is incorrect because absorption should occur before distribution. The medication must first be absorbed into the bloodstream before it can be distributed throughout the body. Excretion and metabolism follow after distribution, not before.
B) Absorption, Excretion, Metabolism, Distribution: This sequence is incorrect because distribution occurs after absorption and before metabolism. Excretion is the final step and occurs after metabolism.
C) Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion: This is the correct order. After oral administration, the medication is first absorbed into the bloodstream from the gastrointestinal tract. It is then distributed throughout the body. Following distribution, the medication undergoes metabolism (primarily in the liver) to be converted into more water-soluble forms for elimination. Finally, the medication is excreted from the body, typically through the kidneys
D) Absorption, Metabolism, Distribution, Excretion: This order is incorrect because metabolism occurs after distribution, not before. After absorption, the drug must be distributed to various tissues before it is metabolized. Excretion is the final step following metabolism.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.