NURS 1016: SAFE MEDICATION USE FOR OLDER ADULTS EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS VERIFIED
Pharmacology
the study of drugs and their interactions with living systems.
Medication issues
Seniors: disproportionally high # of medications. Possible multiple conditions. Common
prescribed meds. Common OTC meds. Age related changes influence pattern of
medication consumption of meds.
Pharmacokinetics
The movement of a drug into the body from the time of drug administration, absorption,
distribution, metabolism & excretion.
Absorption
The rate at which a drug is absorbed in the bloodstream by diffusion into the small
intestine. The route is important e.g. PO vs IV (gastric changes reduce absorption
power), IV instant absorption. Changes in stomach increase pH, decreased motility. Not
significantly altered but:
- Decreased GI motility & decreased GI acidity can decrease or delayed absorption of
acidic drugs, and decreased peak effect
- Decreased stomach emptying may decrease effectiveness of short lived drugs
- Delayed absorption may lead to toxicity
- Some drugs affect the absorption of others
, Metabolism
Process by which the chemical structure of the drug is converted to a metabolite that is
easily excreted.
How metabolism affects drug absorption
- Drug Half-life
- Older adults more at risk for Adverse Drug effects
- Liver is primary site of metabolism
- Changes reduce the ability to metabolize drugs so they stay in the body longer
Excretion
- Process by which drug and their metabolites are excreted
- Major organ involved with excretion is the kidneys.
- Kidney is primarily responsible
- Decreased function leads to prolonged half life therefore, increased accumulation of
drug and potential toxic and adverse effects
- Need to decrease dose of renally excreted drugs
Pharmacodynamics
How the body is affected by the drug at the cellular level and in relation to the target
organ.
Herb-med interactions
Garlic (herb) + Warfarin (anticoagulant med) - increase bleeding risk
Ginseng + insulin - alter glucose levels
Other influencing factors for meds and older adults
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS VERIFIED
Pharmacology
the study of drugs and their interactions with living systems.
Medication issues
Seniors: disproportionally high # of medications. Possible multiple conditions. Common
prescribed meds. Common OTC meds. Age related changes influence pattern of
medication consumption of meds.
Pharmacokinetics
The movement of a drug into the body from the time of drug administration, absorption,
distribution, metabolism & excretion.
Absorption
The rate at which a drug is absorbed in the bloodstream by diffusion into the small
intestine. The route is important e.g. PO vs IV (gastric changes reduce absorption
power), IV instant absorption. Changes in stomach increase pH, decreased motility. Not
significantly altered but:
- Decreased GI motility & decreased GI acidity can decrease or delayed absorption of
acidic drugs, and decreased peak effect
- Decreased stomach emptying may decrease effectiveness of short lived drugs
- Delayed absorption may lead to toxicity
- Some drugs affect the absorption of others
, Metabolism
Process by which the chemical structure of the drug is converted to a metabolite that is
easily excreted.
How metabolism affects drug absorption
- Drug Half-life
- Older adults more at risk for Adverse Drug effects
- Liver is primary site of metabolism
- Changes reduce the ability to metabolize drugs so they stay in the body longer
Excretion
- Process by which drug and their metabolites are excreted
- Major organ involved with excretion is the kidneys.
- Kidney is primarily responsible
- Decreased function leads to prolonged half life therefore, increased accumulation of
drug and potential toxic and adverse effects
- Need to decrease dose of renally excreted drugs
Pharmacodynamics
How the body is affected by the drug at the cellular level and in relation to the target
organ.
Herb-med interactions
Garlic (herb) + Warfarin (anticoagulant med) - increase bleeding risk
Ginseng + insulin - alter glucose levels
Other influencing factors for meds and older adults
