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Medications and the elderly in the critical care setting
1College of Nursing and Health Professions, UNC Charlotte and Advanced Nursing Practice with Multiple Sclerosis Center, North Carolina 28223, USA. lmoore@email.uncc.edu
Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America
|April 10, 2002
Summary
As the elderly population grows, understanding how age affects medication is crucial. Accurate medication history and monitoring reduce adverse drug events in older patients.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Patient Safety
Background:
- The increasing elderly population necessitates specialized medical care.
- Age-related physiological changes significantly impact drug response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of understanding pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in elderly patients.
- To emphasize the need for accurate medication information during admission.
Main Methods:
- Reviewing factors affecting drug metabolism and action in older adults.
- Analyzing the impact of comprehensive medication history, including over-the-counter (OTC) and alternative therapies.
- Discussing the role of vigilant monitoring of drug effects and organ function.
Main Results:
- Accurate medication reconciliation can decrease drug interactions and adverse drug reactions (ADRs).
- Tailored pharmacologic management improves treatment outcomes for elderly clients.
- Minimizing the number of prescribed medications reduces potential risks.
Conclusions:
- Bedside practitioners must be aware of age-related pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes.
- Improving the admission interview process is key to identifying potential medication-related risks.
- Continuous monitoring and judicious medication selection are essential for safe and effective elderly care.