Medication Cabinet Audit: Ask A Family Member Or Friend Ages

Medication Cabinet Auditask A Family Member Or Friend Ages 50 Pref

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: 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.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The practice of conducting medication audits on family members or friends over the age of 50 is essential for promoting medication safety and preventing adverse health outcomes associated with polypharmacy. As individuals age, the likelihood of managing multiple chronic conditions increases, often leading to the use of several medications simultaneously. This paper discusses the medication audit of a senior individual, evaluates their medication regimen, and assesses their risk for polypharmacy, considering health status and potential impairments.

Medication Audit Findings

The individual in question, a 65-year-old woman living independently, maintains a comprehensive medication regimen encompassing both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. She reports taking a total of eight medications daily. These include two antihypertensive medications, a statin for hyperlipidemia, a thyroid hormone replacement, an NSAID for joint pain, a multivitamin, a calcium supplement, and an occasional sleep aid. The medications are stored in a clearly labeled medication cabinet, which she accesses independently.

The specific types of medications are as follows:

1. Benazepril (ACE inhibitor) – for hypertension
2. Amlodipine (calcium channel blocker) – also for hypertension
3. Atorvastatin (statin) – for cholesterol management
4. Levothyroxine (thyroid hormone) – for hypothyroidism
5. Ibuprofen (NSAID) – for joint pain and inflammation
6. Multivitamin – daily nutritional supplement
7. Calcium supplement – for bone health
8. Diphenhydramine (sleep aid) – used occasionally

This regimen indicates a combination of chronic disease management medications and OTC products. The individual reports adherence to the medication schedule without evident confusion or difficulty, and she has noted no recent hospitalizations related to medication errors.

Assessment of Polypharmacy Risks

Polypharmacy, typically defined as the concurrent use of five or more medications, poses significant risks, especially in older adults. The individual's current medication count qualifies her as experiencing polypharmacy. The potential risks include adverse drug reactions, drug-drug interactions, cognitive impairment, falls, and hospitalization.

Given her age, the risk of adverse effects from multiple medications is heightened. Notably, she takes multiple antihypertensives (benazepril and amlodipine), which may cause additive hypotensive effects, increasing her risk of falls, particularly if she experiences orthostatic hypotension or impaired balance. The use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen presents additional concerns, such as gastrointestinal bleeding and impact on renal function, especially considering her age and possible comorbidities.

Furthermore, her health status and potential impairments significantly influence her safe medication management. While she reports no current cognitive deficits, age-related cognitive decline can impair understanding, medication administration, and adherence, especially with medications like diphenhydramine that can cause sedation. Vision impairments are common among seniors and could impair her ability to read medication labels accurately or recognize expiration dates, risking incorrect dosing or ingestion of expired medications.

Her reported occasional use of sleep aids suggests potential sleep disturbances, which might be signs of underlying health issues such as depression, anxiety, or chronic pain. These conditions require thorough evaluation to prevent reliance on medications like diphenhydramine, which are not ideal for long-term management and can cause anticholinergic side effects, including confusion and cognitive decline.

Potential drug interactions also warrant consideration. For example, concurrent use of NSAIDs and antihypertensives can diminish blood pressure control and compromise kidney function. Use of multiple medications without regular review can lead to unnecessary polypharmacy and increased adverse event risks.

Conclusion

The medication regimen of this individual exemplifies polypharmacy, with a risk profile that necessitates careful management. Although she appears adherent and asymptomatic currently, her age and the number of medications increase her risk for adverse outcomes, including falls, cognitive impairment, and drug interactions. Regular medication reviews, considering her health status and cognitive/visual status, are crucial in minimizing these risks. Healthcare providers should assess the necessity of each medication, explore deprescribing where appropriate, and offer tailored education to manage her medications safely at home.

References

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