Which statement is accurate regarding pharmacotherapy in the older adult?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Aging reduces liver/renal clearance, raising plasma levels (e.g., digoxin), heightening response and toxicity risk, per pharmacokinetics. Body water drops, concentrating drugs, not diluting. Doses decrease, not increase-metabolism slows. Absorption may slow, but pH rises, not falls. Plasma increase drives effects, key in elders.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Benzodiazepines, such as medications used for sleep aid, are known for their potential to cause physical dependence. If a patient abruptly stops taking benzodiazepines after using them regularly for an extended period, they are at risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms can be severe and may include rebound insomnia, anxiety, agitation, tremors, sweating, and even seizures in some cases. To prevent or minimize the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms, it is important for patients to gradually taper off the medication under the guidance of a healthcare provider. This gradual tapering helps the body adjust slowly to decreasing doses of the medication, reducing the risk of withdrawal effects.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate action by the nurse when small crystals are observed in the IV tubing while preparing an infusion of mannitol (Osmitrol) is to discard the solution and obtain another bag of medication. Small crystals in the IV tubing can indicate that the medication may be contaminated or that it has precipitated out of solution, which can potentially lead to complications if infused into the patient. It is crucial to ensure that the medication is in proper form before administration to prevent any harm to the patient. Therefore, discarding the solution and obtaining a new bag of medication is the safest and most appropriate course of action in this situation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Ethanol's zero-order metabolism matches phenytoin , saturating enzymes at therapeutic levels. Aspirin , ibuprofen , simvastatin , and valproic acid (E) follow first-order kinetics. Phenytoin's fixed-rate clearance mirrors ethanol's.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Azathioprine, metabolized by xanthine oxidase, interacts with allopurinol , which inhibits this enzyme. This raises azathioprine levels, risking toxicity. Colchicine , Indomethacin , and Prednisolone don't affect this pathway. Probenecid (E) is safe. Avoiding allopurinol prevents immunosuppression complications.