1. Drug Therapy for Geriatric Clients
Chapter 6
Drug Therapy for Geriatric Clients

2. Drug Consumption Age ≥ 65 = increasing population growth
Elderly are estimated to consume approximately 1/3 of all prescription drugs
Estimate elderly use 3/4 of over-the-counter drugs
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3. Absorption Diminishes with increased age GI concerns
Reduced stomach acid (HCl)
GI absorptive surface area is reduced
Prolonged gastric emptying rate
Blood flow to the intestines is reduced
Reduced muscle tone in the stomach and intestines
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4. Distribution Water loss Muscle loss Fatty tissue increase
Protein binding: decreased capacity
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5. Metabolism General decline as age increases
Causes are obscure; possibly due to:
Reduced blood flow to the liver
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6. Excretion Measure creatinine function
Blood flow to the kidneys reduced
Renal function is reduced
Loss of intact nephrons
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7. Drug Receptors Internal drug receptors may change
Results in diminished or greater responses
Close monitoring is required
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8. Other Factors Memory loss Sensory loss Multiple health problems
Multiple medications at multiple times
Use of multiple pharmacies
(continues)
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9. Other Factors Economic factors Lack of education
(continued)
Other Factors
Economic factors
Lack of education
Communication problems
Cultural considerations
Diet therapy
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10. Implementation Oral medications
Position for administration: high Fowler’s
Speak clearly and slowly.
Offer the most important medication first.
Have plenty of liquid available.
Do not rush the elderly client.
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11. Intramuscular Medications
Use ventrogluteal site.
Avoid deltoid muscle.
Avoid vastus lateralis because of loss of muscle mass.
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12. Storage Safe storage of medications
Keep out of the reach of grandchildren and other young children.
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13. Evaluation Evaluate Communication: Does client understand? Drug action
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14. Promoting Health Prevent infections. Improve nutrition.
Encourage exercise and activity.
Facilitate social interaction.
Promote restful sleep.
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.