Elderly patients tend to absorb, distribute, and eliminate drugs less efficiently; therefore, they usually require decreased drug dosages. They are at higher risk for having multiple disorders such as cardiac disease, renal disease, hepatic disturbances, and diabetes. These diseases might alter drug action and excretion.
1. This places them at increased risk for ___________________ and ______________________. Explain your answer.
2. Drugs requiring careful monitoring in the elderly are listed below, list 1 to 2 nursing interventions while they are on these drugs.
- antiarrhythmics
- diuretics
- antihypertensives
- corticosteroids
- anticoagulants
- benzodiazepines
- opioids
3. What are some of the factors affecting poor compliance with drug regimen among the elderly?
4. Why is patient teaching sometimes difficult for the elderly client?