What factor best puts the elderly patient at risk for chronic salicylism that can spiral into an acute event with an expected morality rate of 1%?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Elderly patients are at a higher risk of chronic salicylism because they may consume an increasing amount of NSAIDs over several days to alleviate arthralgias and subsequently become confused, leading to increased medication consumption. This can spiral into an acute event with an expected mortality rate of 1%. Factors such as impaired renal function, liver disease, and co-morbidities can further increase the risk in elderly patients. Choice B is incorrect because the gastrointestinal tract's acidity does not necessarily increase with age, and absorption may be reduced due to other factors such as decreased blood flow. Choice C is incorrect because although psychological conditions may lead to impaired judgment and increased medication consumption, it is not specific to elderly patients. Choice D is incorrect because decreased renal function rather than hepatic metabolism is a more significant factor contributing to chronic salicylism in the elderly.

What Factor Best Puts the Elderly Patient at Risk for Chronic