Nursing

In the know: Know when to say "cut" when administering pills to elderly patients

Stressed Out Nurses Weekly, September 21, 2009

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Patients can take dosages that are too high, medications that are incorrectly prescribed or filled, and medications that interact with or duplicate the actions of other medications, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter medications. There are conglomerations of possibilities that contribute to concerns about polypharmacy (the use of multiple medications) in the elderly population.

Symptoms of polypharmacy can be difficult to diagnose, especially when the client has more than one healthcare provider prescribing drugs. Common complaints that clients may make could be confused with the normal aging process, chronic disease, and side effects from medications.

Common signs and symptoms of polypharmacy that are easily confused with aging include the following:

  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Incontinence
  • Confusion and falls
  • Tiredness, sleepiness, or decreased alertness
  • Loss of appetite

For a full list, take a look at HCPro's book Stressed Out About Drug Interactions.



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