What should nurses consider when administering medication to elderly patients?

When administering medication to elderly patients, it is crucial to consider the potential for altered pharmacokinetics and drug interactions. As people age, their bodies undergo physiological changes that can affect how medications are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted. For example, a decrease in renal function can lead to a slower elimination of drugs, potentially causing accumulation and toxicity. Additionally, the presence of multiple comorbidities in elderly patients often means they are taking several medications concurrently, which increases the risk of drug-drug interactions that can exacerbate side effects or reduce the efficacy of treatments.

Understanding these factors helps nurses to provide safer and more effective medication management for this population, ensuring they consider individualized dosing, timing, and the monitoring of therapeutic outcomes. This approach minimizes risks associated with polypharmacy and enhances the overall effectiveness of treatment for elderly patients.