Managing medications safely is crucial in the elderly population from "summary" of Geriatric Nursing by Priscilla Ebersole, RN, PhD, FAAN,Theris A. Touhy, ND, APRN, BC
The safety of managing medications in the elderly population is of utmost importance. As individuals age, they often experience changes in their body composition, metabolism, and organ function, which can impact how medications are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted. These physiological changes can increase the risk of adverse drug reactions and drug interactions in older adults. Furthermore, older adults are more likely to be taking multiple medications for various chronic conditions, which can increase the complexity of their medication regimen. Polypharmacy, or the use of multiple medications, can lead to a higher risk of medication errors, nonadherence, and negative health outcomes in the elderly population. In addition to physiological changes and polypharmacy, older adults may also face other challenges that can impact their ability to manage medications safely. These challenges may include cognitive impairment, visual or hearing deficits, limited dexterity, financial constraints, and social isolation. These factors can make it difficult for older adults to understand and follow medication instructions, keep track of multiple medications, and communicate effectively with healthcare providers. To ensure the safe management of medications in the elderly population, healthcare providers must take a comprehensive approach. This approach may involve conducting a thorough medication assessment, including reviewing all medications (prescription, over-the-counter, and supplements), identifying potential drug interactions and adverse effects, and simplifying the medication regimen whenever possible. Healthcare providers should also educate older adults and their caregivers about the importance of medication safety, including proper medication storage, administration, and disposal. Additionally, healthcare providers should encourage open communication with older adults about any concerns or difficulties they may have with their medications.
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