Chapter 10: Drugs and the Older Adult
Medication Cabinet Audit.
Ask a family member or friend (ages 50+, preferably 65+) to let you complete an audit of their “medicine cabinet.” Be sure to ask about prescription and over-the-counter medications that the individual currently uses. Polypharmacy is a term used to describe individuals who are taking multiple medications. Polypharmacy is responsible for 28% of all hospital admissions and is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.
Review the information and videos on the following websites:
https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/addressing-the-polypharmacy-conundrum
https://www.cdc.gov/medicationsafety/adult_adversedrugevents.html
In your response, list the number and types of medications the individual is taking. In your opinion, is this individual at risk for polypharmacy, why or why not? Consider the individual’s current health status and any impairments such as vision, cognitive, etc. that may interfere with his/her ability to take the medications safely and as directed.
