Fundamentals of Nursing Q 289
All of the following characteristics would indicate to the nurse that an elder client might experience undesirable effects of medicines except:
A. Increased oxidative enzyme levels.
B. Alcohol taken with medication.
C. Medications containing magnesium.
D. Decreased serum albumin.
Correct Answer: A. Increased oxidative enzyme levels.
Oxidative enzyme levels decrease in the elderly, which affects the disposition of medication and can alter the therapeutic effects of medication. Oxidative stress causes cells and entire organisms to age. If reactive oxygen species accumulate, this causes damage to the DNA as well as changes in the protein molecules and lipids in the cell. The cell ultimately loses its functionality and dies. Over time, the tissue suffers, and the body ages.
Option B: Alcohol has a smaller water distribution level in the elderly, resulting in higher blood alcohol levels. Alcohol also interacts with various drugs to either potentiate or interfere with their effects. The older one gets, the longer alcohol stays in the system. So it’s more likely to be there when the client takes medicine. And alcohol can affect the way the meds work. It can also lead to serious side effects.
Option C: Magnesium is contained in a lot of medications older clients routinely obtain over the counter. Magnesium toxicity is a real concern. Older adults have lower dietary intakes of magnesium than younger adults. In addition, magnesium absorption from the gut decreases, and renal magnesium excretion increases with age. Older adults are also more likely to have chronic diseases or take medications that alter magnesium status, which can increase their risk of magnesium depletion
Option D: Albumin is the major drug-binding protein. Decreased levels of serum albumin mean that higher levels of the drug remain free and that there are fewer therapeutic effects and increased drug interactions.