Author Question: Why is polypharmacy so prevalent in the elderly population? 1. Multiple medical problems can ... (Read 103 times)

Mr3Hunna · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

Why is polypharmacy so prevalent in the elderly population?

1. Multiple medical problems can usually be treated with a single drug.
2. Clients rarely see more than one prescriber.
3. Clients might be taking multiple medications for their comorbidities.
4. Use of over-the-counter medications is uncommon in this age group.

Question 2

The nurse is providing discharge instructions to an adolescent and the family. To increase the likelihood of adherence, which questions would the nurse ask?

1. This particular prescription has to be taken three times a day. Will that be difficult for you to do?
2. Are you worried about the fact that you will need to take this medication while you are at school?
3. This medication may give you dry mouth. Will you be allowed to suck on hard candy in school to help with the dry mouth?
4. Because you will be on the medication for such a long time, can you make an appointment for one year?
5. Do you think your parents should watch you take the medication every day to make sure you take it as prescribed?

brbarasa · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Multiple medical problems usually require the use of several drugs.
Rationale 2: Seeing more than one prescriber is typical of elderly clients.
Rationale 3: Many comorbidities increase the likelihood of polypharmacy.
Rationale 4: Use of over-the-counter medications is more common, not less, in the elderly.
Global Rationale: Many comorbidities increase the likelihood of polypharmacy. Multiple medical problems usually require the use of several drugs. Seeing more than one prescriber is typical of elderly clients. Use of over-the-counter medications is more common, not less, in the elderly.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1,2,3
Rationale 1: The client and the parents should be asked directly if they feel they may have difficulty adhering to the medication regimen.
Rationale 2: Taking medication may make the adolescent feel different from peers. Approaching the subject may help the adolescent discuss these fears.
Rationale 3: Discussing possible adverse effects and suggesting strategies to deal with them may increase adherence.
Rationale 4: With long-term drug therapy, the nurse may need to arrange follow-up appointments to assess the client's response. In most cases, one year is too long to wait to assess the client's response to drug therapy.
Rationale 5: There is no reason to believe this adolescent will need directly observed therapy (DOT).
Global Rationale: The client and the parents should be asked directly if they feel they may have difficulty adhering to the medication regimen. Taking medication may make the adolescent feel different from peers. Approaching the subject may help the adolescent discuss these fears. Discussing possible adverse effects and suggesting strategies to deal with them may increase adherence. With long-term drug therapy, the nurse may need to arrange follow-up appointments to assess the client's response. In most cases, one year is too long to wait to assess the client's response to drug therapy. There is no reason to believe this adolescent will need directly observed therapy (DOT).