2/19/201 Topic: Week 3: Polypharmacy and the Effects
9 of Age
This is a graded discussion: 25 points possible due Jan 27
Week 3: Polypharmacy and the Effects of Age
55 72
Examining the case of Charles Gibson, construct and explain a concept map that describes how you would expect polypharmacy and his
age to affect the pharmacokinetics of his medications. Include a discussion of pathophysiology and health assessment in your discussion.
To assist you with this discussion, please refer to the following Brainshark tutorial:
http://www.brainshark.com/devry/vu?pi=zHdzHuCUOzSZRmz0 (http://www.brainshark.com/devry/vu?pi=zHdzHuCUOzSZRmz0)
Note: there are several sites that provide free concept mapping software or allow you to use their software for free for 30 days. Your
faculty member may also be able to discuss potential sources. If you prefer, you can draw out a concept map on pencil and paper, take a
picture of it, and copy it into the discussion textbox.
Search entries or author Unread ✓ Subscribed
Reply
Alyssa Clemens
(https: /chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/37809/users/36797 )
Jan 20, 2019
Dr. Alteza and Class,
,2/19/201 Topic: Week 3: Polypharmacy and the Effects
9 of Age
Advances in health care have significantly contributed to increased life spans in the 20 thcentury allowing people
to fight diseases that could have resulted in death nearly 100 years ago (Mahishale, 2015). People over the age
of 65 are at higher risk of multi- morbidity and chronic long-term diseases based on habits such as alcohol,
smoking, or eating a poor diet (Mahishale, 2015).
Medications are often prescribed to alleviate symptoms related to a disease process, however, medications are
often prescribed to alleviate side effects of the initially prescribed medication. Polypharmacy leads to increased
risk of drug interactions, adverse drug reactions, and nonadherence (Urfer, Elzi, Dell-Kuster, & Bassetti, 2016).
Ageing patients experience a variety of physiological changes through absorption, distribution, metabolism, and
excretion (Pedersen, 2017). Patients who routinely take multiple medications may not experience full effect of a
medication or may have toxic levels due to these changes. Assessments of ageing patients should include blood
work to assess liver and kidney function to ensure medications are able to be metabolized and excreted
appropriately. Ongoing communication with patients and health care providers are essential in order to
determine any drug interactions that could be taking place. I have attached a concept map as part of this
discussion.
Thank you,
Alyssa
Clemens
References
Mahishale, V. (2015). Ageing world: health care challenges. Journal of the Scientific Society, 42(3), 138-143. DOI:
10.4103/0974- 5009.165540
Pedersen, D. (2017). In PsychNotes: Clinical Pocket Guide, 5th ed (pp. 209–210). Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
F.A. Davis Company. Retrieved from
https://chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=nup&AN=2013216089&site=eds-live&scope=site
Ruscin, J. M., & Linnebur, S. A. (2018, December). Pharmacokinetics in older adults.Retrieved from Merck Manual
Professional Version: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/geriatrics/drug-therapy-in-older-adults/
pharmacokinetics-in-older-adults
,2/19/201 Topic: Week 3: Polypharmacy and the Effects
9 of Age
Urfer, M., Elzi, L., Dell-Kuster, S., & Bassetti, S. (2016). Intervention to improve appropriate
prescribing and reduce polypharmacy in elderly patients admitted to an internal medicine unit.
PLOS ONE, 11(11), 1-15.
Week 3 concept map.docx (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/files/3624027/download?download_frd=1&verifier= g4qPsuJQlYSFnAIaIDzntNYyH6kfCKQADCBr382B)
Reply
, 2/19/201 Topic: Week 3: Polypharmacy and the Effects
9 of Age
(http Peyton Blodgett
(https: /chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/37809/users/96022)
Jan 27, 2019
Peer
Response
Alyssa,
I enjoyed your post and concept map! It is true that medication has many physiologic effects on the
aging patient. As nurses, it is important to be familiar with how medication may affect the older adult.
According to Greenleaf Brown (2016), medication adherence often becomes a concern in the aging adult
related to polypharmacy. Understanding medication interactions, side effects, and contraindications help the
nurse provide patient education that can improve medication adherence. I agree with you that thorough
assessment and ongoing communication regarding the patient's medications is key in helping patients
understand their medication regimen. I mentioned in a previous post this week that working on case
management I have patients frequently tell me, they are unsure why they are on certain medications. I
make a point to review medications with my patients each time I speak with them to evaluate their
knowledge and identify the need for nursing intervention to improve medication adherence and improve
patient outcomes.
Thank
you,
Peyton
9 of Age
This is a graded discussion: 25 points possible due Jan 27
Week 3: Polypharmacy and the Effects of Age
55 72
Examining the case of Charles Gibson, construct and explain a concept map that describes how you would expect polypharmacy and his
age to affect the pharmacokinetics of his medications. Include a discussion of pathophysiology and health assessment in your discussion.
To assist you with this discussion, please refer to the following Brainshark tutorial:
http://www.brainshark.com/devry/vu?pi=zHdzHuCUOzSZRmz0 (http://www.brainshark.com/devry/vu?pi=zHdzHuCUOzSZRmz0)
Note: there are several sites that provide free concept mapping software or allow you to use their software for free for 30 days. Your
faculty member may also be able to discuss potential sources. If you prefer, you can draw out a concept map on pencil and paper, take a
picture of it, and copy it into the discussion textbox.
Search entries or author Unread ✓ Subscribed
Reply
Alyssa Clemens
(https: /chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/37809/users/36797 )
Jan 20, 2019
Dr. Alteza and Class,
,2/19/201 Topic: Week 3: Polypharmacy and the Effects
9 of Age
Advances in health care have significantly contributed to increased life spans in the 20 thcentury allowing people
to fight diseases that could have resulted in death nearly 100 years ago (Mahishale, 2015). People over the age
of 65 are at higher risk of multi- morbidity and chronic long-term diseases based on habits such as alcohol,
smoking, or eating a poor diet (Mahishale, 2015).
Medications are often prescribed to alleviate symptoms related to a disease process, however, medications are
often prescribed to alleviate side effects of the initially prescribed medication. Polypharmacy leads to increased
risk of drug interactions, adverse drug reactions, and nonadherence (Urfer, Elzi, Dell-Kuster, & Bassetti, 2016).
Ageing patients experience a variety of physiological changes through absorption, distribution, metabolism, and
excretion (Pedersen, 2017). Patients who routinely take multiple medications may not experience full effect of a
medication or may have toxic levels due to these changes. Assessments of ageing patients should include blood
work to assess liver and kidney function to ensure medications are able to be metabolized and excreted
appropriately. Ongoing communication with patients and health care providers are essential in order to
determine any drug interactions that could be taking place. I have attached a concept map as part of this
discussion.
Thank you,
Alyssa
Clemens
References
Mahishale, V. (2015). Ageing world: health care challenges. Journal of the Scientific Society, 42(3), 138-143. DOI:
10.4103/0974- 5009.165540
Pedersen, D. (2017). In PsychNotes: Clinical Pocket Guide, 5th ed (pp. 209–210). Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
F.A. Davis Company. Retrieved from
https://chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=nup&AN=2013216089&site=eds-live&scope=site
Ruscin, J. M., & Linnebur, S. A. (2018, December). Pharmacokinetics in older adults.Retrieved from Merck Manual
Professional Version: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/geriatrics/drug-therapy-in-older-adults/
pharmacokinetics-in-older-adults
,2/19/201 Topic: Week 3: Polypharmacy and the Effects
9 of Age
Urfer, M., Elzi, L., Dell-Kuster, S., & Bassetti, S. (2016). Intervention to improve appropriate
prescribing and reduce polypharmacy in elderly patients admitted to an internal medicine unit.
PLOS ONE, 11(11), 1-15.
Week 3 concept map.docx (https://chamberlain.instructure.com/files/3624027/download?download_frd=1&verifier= g4qPsuJQlYSFnAIaIDzntNYyH6kfCKQADCBr382B)
Reply
, 2/19/201 Topic: Week 3: Polypharmacy and the Effects
9 of Age
(http Peyton Blodgett
(https: /chamberlain.instructure.com/courses/37809/users/96022)
Jan 27, 2019
Peer
Response
Alyssa,
I enjoyed your post and concept map! It is true that medication has many physiologic effects on the
aging patient. As nurses, it is important to be familiar with how medication may affect the older adult.
According to Greenleaf Brown (2016), medication adherence often becomes a concern in the aging adult
related to polypharmacy. Understanding medication interactions, side effects, and contraindications help the
nurse provide patient education that can improve medication adherence. I agree with you that thorough
assessment and ongoing communication regarding the patient's medications is key in helping patients
understand their medication regimen. I mentioned in a previous post this week that working on case
management I have patients frequently tell me, they are unsure why they are on certain medications. I
make a point to review medications with my patients each time I speak with them to evaluate their
knowledge and identify the need for nursing intervention to improve medication adherence and improve
patient outcomes.
Thank
you,
Peyton
