An older patient on medication for hypertension, arrhythmias, and glaucoma takes over-the-counter medications for allergy symptoms and pain relief. Recently, the patient has had difficulty sleeping and has one to two glasses of wine nightly to help with relaxation. What is this patient at risk for experiencing? Select all that apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is at risk for increased falls due to the sedative effects of alcohol combined with their medications, which could impair balance and coordination. Increased depression can result from the interaction between alcohol and medications, as both can affect the central nervous system and potentially worsen depressive symptoms. A toxic or lethal drug interaction is possible due to the combination of prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and alcohol, which can lead to unpredictable and dangerous effects on the body.

An Older Patient on Medication for Hypertension, Arrhythmias, and Glaucoma