Question

How can older adults avoid polypharmacy and what is the nurse’s role in preventing polypharmacy?

Answer 1

Older adults can avoid polypharmacy by consulting their nurses who should discuss with their patients the need to:

• keep an accurate list of the different medications, including the generic and brand names, dosages, dosing frequency, and the reason behind taking the drug
• keeping a complete list of medical providers and the information to contact
• posting the name and telephone number of the local pharmacy.

Instruction i.e. teaching the patients about:

• each medication, such as its name, appearance, purpose, and effects
• potential adverse effects and interactions of all the different medication
• importance of contacting the healthcare provider with concerns or questions regarding the medication
• potential drug-related problems, warranting emergency care
• importance of taking medications; as directed exactly by the physician
• importance of using only one pharmacy to obtain drugs.

Organization. To help patients manage their drugs, by cautioning them;

• avoiding the sharing of medications

• storing the medications in a secure, dry location away from sunlight
• refrigerating the medications if necessary
• disposing of old medications properly.