Study Guide for Fundamentals of Nursing Care: Concepts, Connections & Skills - Care of Elderly Patients Related

Review Study Guide for Fundamentals of Nursing Care: Concepts, Connections & Skills - Care of Elderly Patients related questions and content

Many older patients experience a decline in renal function as they age. What effect does renal decline have on medications?

  • A. Decline in renal function has very little effect on medications unless the patient goes into acute renal failure.
  • B. Decline in renal function can cause excessive amounts of a drug to be left circulating in the blood.
  • C. Decline in renal function can cause an increase in dilute urine elimination, thereby flushing out too much medication too quickly.
  • D. Decline in renal function does not really affect medications because most drugs are rendered inactive by the liver.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Reduced renal function impairs drug excretion, leading to accumulation in the blood, which can cause toxicity or prolonged effects.