A nurse is caring for a psychiatric client age 70 years who has been prescribed a number of medications. When educating the client on the medications, which explanation would be most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The activity of hepatic enzymes slows with age. As a result, the ability of the liver to metabolize medications may slow to as much as a fourfold decrease between the ages of 20 and 70 years. Thus, the client is at increased risk for toxicity. Gastric pH increases, and gastric emptying and motility decrease, which can influence absorption.

A Nurse Is Caring for a Psychiatric Client Age 70