Meeting the challenge of medication reactions in the elderly

The number of elderly clients in most health care settings is increasing in direct proportion to the rapid aging of our general population. To plan and deliver optimum health care for elderly clients, nurses need to recognize this population's unique, special needs. One important aspect of quality care for older adults is managing their medications to assure the maximum beneficial results from medication therapy while avoiding adverse complications. Changes of aging will be examined in this article for their potential pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic impact. Incorporating this knowledge into practice will prepare professional nurses to act as change agents and advocates for increased awareness and sensitivity to actual or potential medication problems among all members of the health care team.