BCG BCG Pharmacology & Medication Management in Older Adults 2

Question 1

Why is anticholinergic burden a special concern in gerontological pharmacology?

Accepted Answer

Cumulative anticholinergic effects increase risk of cognitive impairment, urinary retention, and constipation

Answer

Older adults have more muscarinic receptors, increasing sensitivity

Answer

Anticholinergics are metabolized faster in older adults

Answer

Older adults are typically prescribed anticholinergics for age-related tremor

Question 2

Which pain medication class requires particular caution in older adults due to the risk of GI bleeding, renal impairment, and cardiovascular events?

Accepted Answer

NSAIDs

Answer

Acetaminophen

Answer

Opioids

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants

Question 3

When adjusting opioid doses for older adults, the standard recommendation is to:

Accepted Answer

Start low and go slow, beginning at 25–50% of the typical adult dose

Answer

Start with the same dose as younger adults and titrate up quickly

Answer

Avoid opioids entirely and substitute NSAIDs

Answer

Use only sustained-release formulations

Question 4

A patient taking warfarin is started on a new antibiotic. What is the primary pharmacological concern?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics can alter gut flora and inhibit CYP enzymes, elevating INR and bleeding risk

Answer

Antibiotics increase renal clearance of warfarin, reducing its effectiveness

Answer

The combination causes photosensitivity

Answer

Antibiotics bind warfarin in the GI tract, preventing absorption

Question 5

Which is the preferred approach for managing medication reconciliation during care transitions for older adults?

Accepted Answer

Conduct a comprehensive medication review comparing all medication lists from sending and receiving facilities

Answer

Instruct the patient to bring a handwritten list of medications

Answer

Let the new care team generate a fresh medication list based on the admission diagnosis

Answer

Only reconcile medications that were changed in the past 30 days

Question 6

Which supplement commonly taken by older adults can significantly interact with blood thinners and increase bleeding risk?

Accepted Answer

Fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids)

Answer

Calcium

Answer

Vitamin D

Answer

Magnesium