Ch. 9 (Safe Medication Use) Flashcards
What is the listing of drugs taht carry high risks for older adults and criteria for potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults?
beers criteria
What refers to the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs?
pharmacokinetics
What refers to the biologic and therapeutic efects drugs at the site of action or on the target organ?
pharmacodynamics
Do older adults have a decreased or increased risk for adverse reactions with medication use?
increased risk
What are factors that alter absorption of medications?
- route of administration (IV = fastest, orally = slowest)
- concentration & solubility of drug
What refer to the time necessary for half of a drug to be excreted from the body?
biological half-life
Can dehydration decrease or increase drug distribution?
decrease
What refers to the use of multiple medications?
polypharmacy
What organs help with medication excretion?
- kidneys
- liver
What are some general factors regarding adverse medication reactions in older adults?
- S&S differ
- reaction takes longer to become apparent
- may show ever after med. discontinued
- may develop suddenly (even after long-term use)
What is often an early adverse medication reaction in older adults?
mental dysfunction
may be subtle changes
What is the most common route to administer drugs?
oral administration
Will administering IM drug in a immobile limb, will the absorption rate be reduced or increased?
reduced
will be on exam
What is the max dose for acetaminophen (tylenol) while 24 hours?
4000mg/24hr
What are common adverse effects of opioids?
- anorexia
- constipation
- nausea
- vomiting
- sedation
- lethargy
- weakness
- risk of falls
- confusion
- dependency
- urinary retention
If yo uare using narcotics, what should you keep in mind?
be very careful (start low and slow)
If nonpharmacologic attempts are unsuccessful, what should you do when giving analgesics?
being with weakest type and dose and gradually increase
What can excessive use or not finishing a complete dose of antibiotics lead to?
antibotic-resistant bacteria
What is a famous reversible agent to anticoagulants or warfarin?
vitamin K
Does cognitive ehnacing drugs enhance cognitive function or slow the progression of cognitive decline?
slows progression of cognitive decline
What are signs of digitalis toxicity?
- bradycardia
- diarrhea
- anorexia
- n/v
- abdominal pain
- delirium
- hallucinations
- aphasia
check digoxin level if suspect toxicity
When is the preferred time patients should be given diuretics?
the morning
(think, if given at night -> will be up all night)
What are the side effects to benzodiazepines?
- dizziness
- unsteady gait
- drowsiness
- slurred speech
- confusion
basically opposing effects in older adults
