How can nurses help older adults in avoiding the problems of polypharmacy and organizing their medications in an easy to understand and use format. What are different strategies that could be used? How would strategies change if the patient had hearing or vision deficits? What about if the patient is illiterate? APA format, word document, Arial 12 font and at least 100 words 3 evidence based references, no older than 5 years old and one must be from a geriatric journal.
Polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications by an individual, is a common issue among older adults. This phenomenon can lead to numerous problems, including medication interactions, adverse drug reactions, and poor medication adherence. Nurses play a crucial role in helping older adults avoid these problems by assisting them in organizing their medications in a format that is easy to understand and use.
One strategy that nurses can employ is medication reconciliation. This process involves comparing the medications a patient is taking with their medical records to ensure accuracy and identify any discrepancies. By conducting medication reconciliation, nurses can help older adults avoid unnecessary duplication of medications, reducing the risk of adverse drug reactions.
Another strategy is medication education and counseling. Nurses can provide detailed information about each medication, including its purpose, dosage, and potential side effects. They can also teach older adults how to properly administer their medications, such as demonstrating the use of pill organizers or dosing syringes. Additionally, nurses can reinforce the importance of medication adherence and provide tips for managing side effects.
To further assist older adults with medication organization, nurses can suggest the use of pill organizers or medication management apps. Pill organizers are containers with compartments for different days and times, making it easier for individuals to keep track of their medications. Medication management apps, available on smartphones or tablets, can provide reminders to take medications, track adherence, and provide educational information about each medication.
When dealing with older adults who have hearing or vision deficits, nurses should modify their strategies to accommodate these limitations. For individuals with hearing impairments, nurses can ensure effective communication by using visual aids, such as written instructions or diagrams. They can also speak clearly and with gestures to enhance understanding. In the case of vision deficits, nurses can use large print materials, Braille labels, or audio instructions to facilitate medication organization and administration.
For illiterate older adults, nurses need to employ alternative strategies to address their specific needs. These strategies may include the use of pictures or symbols to represent different medications, utilizing color-coded systems for pill organizers, or involving a trusted family member or caregiver in medication management. It is crucial for nurses to ensure that illiterate older adults comprehend the purpose and instructions of their medications, as well as the potential adverse effects.
In conclusion, nurses can play a vital role in helping older adults avoid the problems associated with polypharmacy. By employing strategies such as medication reconciliation, education and counseling, and utilizing tools like pill organizers or medication management apps, nurses can enhance medication organization and adherence. When faced with hearing or vision deficits, or illiteracy, nurses should adapt their strategies to provide the necessary support and ensure effective communication. Through these interventions, nurses can promote safe and effective medication use among older adults.
References:
1. Chapa D, Akintade B. Medication Adherence Strategies for Older Adults with High Blood Pressure. Home Healthc Now. 2018;36(8):488-493.
2. Cullinan S, O’Mahony D, Hajjar ER, Byrne S, Kenny RA. The impact of nutrition on medication pharmacokinetics in the older persons. Drugs Aging. 2017;34(3):179-190.
3. Hilmer SN, Gnjidic D, Abernethy DR. Pharmacoepidemiology in the Aging Population. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 2013;53:569-589.