How can older adults avoid polypharmacy quizlet?

Among older adults, polypharmacy is a common problem….Organization.

1. avoid sharing medications.
2. store medications in a secure, dry location away from sunlight.
3. refrigerate medications if necessary.
4. dispose of old medications properly.

How will you address polypharmacy in the elderly?

Polypharmacy, especially in the elderly, can be addressed through several strategies. Pharmacists need to identify drug-related problems, prioritize them, reduce pill burden, eliminate unnecessary medication usage, and monitor for adverse drug-withdrawal events.

What is the nurse’s role in preventing polypharmacy?

The nursing staff can help monitor the patient for beneficial or harmful effects from tapering or stopping medications. Patients and families can be educated about the dangers of polypharmacy so that they understand that a medication may be stopped if it is causing harm or no longer benefits the patient.

Why is polypharmacy an issue for older adults?

Polypharmacy is associated with suboptimal prescribing. The more drugs a patient is exposed to, the more likely they are to be prescribed inappropriately. ‘Potentially inappropriate medications’ in the elderly include those with sedative or anticholinergic effects and long-acting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

How can older adults avoid polypharmacy What is the nurse’s role in preventing polypharmacy?

Conducting medication reconciliations at care transition, eliminating duplicate medications, assessing for drug-drug interactions, and reviewing dosages can reduce the incidence of polypharmacy, ensure patient safety, reduce hospitalizations, and decrease associated costs.

How can we prevent polypharmacy?

Tips for Avoiding Polypharmacy Issues in Older Adults

1. Work diligently with patients and families to secure an accurate list of medications.
2. Reorganize the medication list in a patient’s EHR.
3. Look for inappropriate and incorrect prescriptions.
4. Use caution when deprescribing medications.

How can polypharmacy be prevented?

How can you prevent polypharmacy?

What is polypharmacy elderly?

Polypharmacy, defined as regular use of at least five medications, is common in older adults and younger at-risk populations and increases the risk of adverse medical outcomes. There are several risk factors that can lead to polypharmacy.

Is polypharmacy common in older adults?

Polypharmacy is more common among older adults, many of whom have multiple chronic conditions (MCC), defined as two or more chronic conditions such as arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, depression, diabetes, and hypertension.