Question

Factors that may place elderly people an risk for medication related problems include a. vision loss, hearing loss, and using the same pharmacy \(s o\) accurate profiles may be kept. b. memory loss, hearing boss, and using the same pharmacy so that prescriptions errors may be caught easily. c. recent memory loss, viston loss, and taking multiple medications due to chronic health problems. d. maintaining accurate profile at the pharmacy, asking physician for a sample of the prescription to assess the medications effects, and following the pharmacist's inseructions.

Short answer

Option C

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the Question

The question asks to identify factors that place elderly people at risk for medication-related problems. Read each option carefully to determine which factors are legitimate risks.

- Analyze Option A

Option A mentions vision loss, hearing loss, and using the same pharmacy for accurate profiles. Vision and hearing loss can be risks, but using the same pharmacy is generally helpful, not a risk.

- Analyze Option B

Option B lists memory loss, hearing loss, and using the same pharmacy to catch prescription errors. Memory and hearing loss are potential risks, but using the same pharmacy helps manage medications, not a risk factor.

- Analyze Option C

Option C includes recent memory loss, vision loss, and taking multiple medications for chronic health problems. Memory loss, vision loss, and polypharmacy are all legitimate risks for medication-related problems.

- Analyze Option D

Option D suggests maintaining accurate profiles, asking for samples, and following instructions. These actions help mitigate risks rather than cause them.

- Conclusion

After analyzing all options, it's clear that Option C contains the factors that are risks for medication-related problems: recent memory loss, vision loss, and taking multiple medications.

Key concepts

Memory Loss

Memory loss is a significant concern for elderly individuals, especially when it comes to managing medications. When someone forgets whether they've taken their medication, they might accidentally skip doses or take an extra dose. Both scenarios can be harmful.
For example, if an elderly person forgets they have already taken their blood pressure medication, taking an extra dose could dangerously lower their blood pressure.
Here are some tips to help manage medication with memory loss:

• Use a pill organizer to keep track of daily doses
• Set alarms or reminders for medication times
• Have a caregiver assist with medication management
• Maintain a medication diary

These steps help ensure that the correct dosage is taken at the right times, reducing risks associated with memory loss.

Vision Loss

Vision loss can also pose significant risks when it comes to medication management. An elderly individual with poor eyesight may have trouble reading prescription labels, which can lead to taking the wrong medication or incorrect dosages.
Imagine someone with glaucoma struggling to differentiate between similar-looking bottles, accidentally taking a medication not intended for them.
To mitigate this risk, consider the following strategies:

• Request large print labels from the pharmacy
• Use magnifying glasses to read small text
• Organize medications in a well-lit area
• Label medication bottles with tactile markers, like rubber bands or raised stickers

These adaptations can make managing medications safer for those with vision difficulties.

Polypharmacy

Polypharmacy refers to the use of multiple medications by a single patient, often for chronic health conditions. While necessary for treating various ailments, it raises several risks, including adverse drug interactions and difficulty managing complex regimens.
For instance, taking multiple drugs that interact negatively can cause severe side effects or diminish the effectiveness of essential medications.
To manage polypharmacy risks, consider the following approaches:

• Keep an updated list of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
• Regularly review medications with healthcare providers
• Use the same pharmacy to help track and manage all medications
• Be aware of potential drug interactions and side effects

By taking these steps, patients can help ensure that their multiple medications work together safely and effectively.