Safe Medication use for Older Adults

Question 1

Define pharmacokinetics

Answer 1

refers to the movement of a med in the body from the point of administration as it is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and finally excreted

Question 2

What are the 4 processes of pharmacokinetics?

Answer 2

absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion

Question 3

Define pharmacodynamics

Answer 3

refers to the interaction between a medication and the body

Question 4

Define chronopharmacology

Answer 4

the relationship of biological rhythms to variations in the body’s response to medications

Question 5

Define polypharmacy

Answer 5

the use of a large number of medications, contraindicated or potentially inappropriate medications, or medications that are duplicated or unnecessary

Question 6

Define adverse drug reactions

Answer 6

unwanted pharmacological effects, they range from minor annoyances to death, and include allergic reactions

Question 7

Define medication reconciliation

Answer 7

a formal process of comparing the prescribed medications to the medications the person is actually taking– to prevent adverse drug reactions

Question 8

What is the brown bag approach?

Answer 8

asking the patient to bring in a bag containing all medications and other health products currently being taken or used– as each med comes out of the bag ask the patient how they take it

Question 9

What are some ways of educating older persons about their medications?

Answer 9

identify key persons
ensure good environment
determine best time
communicate
reinforce teaching
evaluate teaching
avoid medication interactions