Physiological Changes with Aging
Physiological Changes with Aging ( 10 Questions)
A nurse is administering medications to a client who is 65 years old. The nurse knows that older adults are at increased risk for adverse drug reactions due to which of the following physiological changes?
This is wrong because older adults have decreased renal clearance, not increased. This means that drugs that are eliminated by the kidneys may accumulate in the body and cause adverse effects.
This is wrong because older adults have decreased plasma protein levels, not increased. This means that drugs that are bound to plasma proteins may have higher free fractions and increased pharmacological effects.
Older adults are at increased risk for adverse drug reactions due to various physiological changes that affect the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs. One of these changes is the reduction in liver blood flow, size, drug-metabolizing enzyme content and function. This can result in slower or decreased metabolism of drugs, leading to higher plasma concentrations and increased risk of toxicity.
This is wrong because older adults have increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier, not decreased. This means that drugs that cross the blood-brain barrier may have enhanced central nervous system effects in older adults.
The correct answer is C.
Decreased liver function. Older adults are at increased risk for adverse drug reactions due to various physiological changes that affect the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs. One of these changes is the reduction in liver blood flow, size, drug-metabolizing enzyme content and function. This can result in slower or decreased metabolism of drugs, leading to higher plasma concentrations and increased risk of toxicity.
Choice A is wrong because older adults have decreased renal clearance, not increased. This means that drugs that are eliminated by the kidneys may accumulate in the body and cause adverse effects.
Choice B is wrong because older adults have decreased plasma protein levels, not increased. This means that drugs that are bound to plasma proteins may have higher free fractions and increased pharmacological effects.
Choice D is wrong because older adults have increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier, not decreased. This means that drugs that cross the blood-brain barrier may have enhanced central nervous system effects in older adults.
Normal ranges for liver function tests vary depending on the laboratory and the method used, but some common values are:.
• Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): 7-55 U/L.
• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): 8-48 U/L.
• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): 45-115 U/L.
• Total bilirubin: 0.1-1.2 mg/dL.
• Albumin: 3.5-5 g/dL.