Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

Full Answer Section The use of salt substitutes can cause hyperkalemia in older adults when use in conjunction with what types of drugs? Salt substitutes are often used by older adults to help control high blood pressure. However, salt substitutes can also cause hyperkalemia, a condition in which the level of potassium in the blood becomes too high. This is because salt substitutes typically contain potassium chloride, which can build up in the blood if the kidneys are not able to excrete it properly. The use of salt substitutes in conjunction with certain drugs can increase the risk of hyperkalemia. These drugs include:

• ACE inhibitors: ACE inhibitors are a type of medication used to treat high blood pressure. They can increase the risk of hyperkalemia by decreasing the excretion of potassium by the kidneys.
• Beta blockers: Beta blockers are a type of medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease. They can also increase the risk of hyperkalemia by decreasing the excretion of potassium by the kidneys.
• Trimethoprim: Trimethoprim is an antibiotic that can increase the risk of hyperkalemia by decreasing the excretion of potassium by the kidneys.

How to prevent and evaluate risk factors for medication nonadherence in older adults? Medication nonadherence is a common problem in older adults. It can lead to poor health outcomes, such as increased risk of hospitalization and death. There are a number of risk factors for medication nonadherence in older adults, including:

• Complex medication regimens: Older adults often take multiple medications, which can make it difficult to remember to take them all correctly.
• Cognitive impairment: Cognitive impairment, such as dementia, can make it difficult to understand and follow medication instructions.
• Depression: Depression can lead to apathy and decreased motivation, which can make it difficult to take medications.
• Cost of medications: The cost of medications can be a barrier to adherence, especially for older adults who have limited financial resources.

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent and evaluate risk factors for medication nonadherence in older adults. These include:

• Simplifying medication regimens: Simplifying medication regimens can make it easier for older adults to remember to take their medications correctly.
• Providing clear and concise medication instructions: Providing clear and concise medication instructions can help older adults understand how to take their medications correctly.
• Encouraging patient education: Encouraging patient education can help older adults understand the importance of taking their medications correctly.
• Addressing financial barriers: Addressing financial barriers can help older adults afford their medications.
• Monitoring medication adherence: Monitoring medication adherence can help identify older adults who are not taking their medications correctly and intervene to prevent problems.

By taking these steps, it is possible to help older adults adhere to their medication regimens and improve their health outcomes.

Sample Answer As people age, there are a number of changes that can affect the way drugs are absorbed, metabolized, and excreted. These changes include:

• Decreased gastric acid production: Gastric acid helps to break down food and drugs, so decreased production can lead to decreased absorption of some drugs.
• Decreased liver function: The liver is responsible for metabolizing many drugs, so decreased liver function can lead to decreased clearance of drugs from the body.
• Decreased kidney function: The kidneys are responsible for excreting drugs from the body, so decreased kidney function can lead to decreased clearance of drugs from the body.

These changes can make it more difficult for older adults to tolerate certain drugs and can increase the risk of adverse drug reactions. For this reason, it is important to carefully monitor older adults who are taking medications and to adjust doses as needed.