Objective 7- Nursing Considerations for Safe Medication Administration in Older Adults

This set of flashcards covers nursing considerations for safe medication administration in older adults, focusing on pharmacokinetics, polypharmacy, and best practices.

Medication Use Facts

Older adults are the largest consumers of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

Polypharmacy

The use of multiple medications, often a common issue in older adults.

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR)

Negative effects caused by inappropriate medication use or high starting doses in older adults.

Pharmacokinetics

The movement of a drug in the body, involving absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Absorption

The process of a drug entering the circulation, significantly affected by the route of administration.

Distribution

The transportation of the drug to targeted organs to exert effects.

Metabolism

The process by which the liver alters the chemical structure of drugs for excretion.

Excretion

The elimination process of drug by-products from the body, primarily through the kidneys.

Body Composition Changes

In older adults, increased body fat and decreased lean body mass affect medication distribution.

Dehydration

A condition that can elevate serum medication levels due to decreased plasma volume.

Age-related changes in kidneys

Decreased glomerular filtration rate, leading to prolonged drug excretion in older adults.

Sensitivity to Drugs

Altered response to medications seen in older adults, including risks with benzodiazepines and anticholinergics.

Drug Interactions

Consequence of using multiple medications that may have harmful effects on older adults.

Self-prescribing

Taking leftover or sharing medications without professional guidance, common in older adults.

Herbal/natural remedies

Complementary and alternative medicine often used by older adults alongside traditional medications.

Non-adherence

Failure to follow medication instructions, often due to cognitive decline or misunderstanding.

Comprehensive medication assessment

The first step in ensuring safe and effective medication use in older adults.

Memory aids

Tools designed to help older adults remember when to take medications.

Pill containers

Organizers labeled with times and days to help manage medication intake.

Blister-pack dispensing

A method of packaging medications to improve adherence and ease of use.

Right Time

Ensuring medications are given at the appropriate scheduled intervals.

Right Patient

Confirming the correct individual receiving the prescribed medication.

Right Route

Administering the medication by the correct method (oral, IV, etc.).

Right Dose

Giving the appropriate amount of medication prescribed.

Right Documentation

Proper records kept regarding the administration of medications.

Right to Refuse

The new right allowing patients to decline medication if they choose.

Sensory function assessment

Evaluating an older adult’s ability to perceive and respond to medications.

Medication adherence goals

Objectives to help older adults manage their medication schedules effectively.

Ongoing rapport with care-provider

Maintaining a relationship with healthcare providers for continued support in medication management.

Toxicity

An adverse effect that occurs when drug levels in the body exceed therapeutic levels.

Alcohol interactions

Potentially harmful reactions that occur when alcohol is consumed with medications.

Acetaminophen risks

Consistent use can lead to liver failure in older adults.

Functional status influences medication use

An older adult's physical and cognitive capability affects their medication use.

Monitoring blood levels

Essential for preventing adverse drug reactions, especially in older adults.

Fluid intake importance

Critical for preventing dehydration-related complications in medication administration.

Memory prompts

A technique used to remind older adults when to take their medications.

Education on medications

Pharmacists actively assist in teaching clients about their medications.

Medication cost challenges

Expenses often exceed the income of many older adults.

Literacy level concerns

Older adults may struggle with reading labels and understanding instructions.

Age-related changes in liver

Aging decreases liver mass and blood circulation, affecting drug metabolism.

Liquid medication forms

Alternative formulations for patients with difficulty swallowing.

Visual reminders

Tools such as calendars that help older adults adhere to their medication schedules.

Assessment of comprehension

Evaluating an older adult’s understanding of their medications.

Rights of medication administration

Set of guidelines ensuring safe practice in delivering medications.

Increased drug effects in older adults

Due to slower metabolism and higher sensitivity to medications.