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

Cumulative anticholinergic burden from multiple medications significantly increases risks of delirium, cognitive decline, constipation, and urinary retention in older adults.

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

NSAIDs are associated with GI bleeding, acute kidney injury, and cardiovascular events, making them high-risk in older adults who often have multiple comorbidities.

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

The 'start low, go slow' principle reduces the risk of over-sedation, respiratory depression, and falls in older adults with altered opioid metabolism.

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

Many antibiotics inhibit gut bacteria that produce vitamin K and inhibit CYP2C9, leading to elevated warfarin levels and increased bleeding risk.

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

Comparing medication lists from all care settings during transitions is essential to identify discrepancies, omissions, and duplications that cause adverse drug events.

(BCG) Board Certification in Gerontology Practice Test

(BCG) Board Certification in Gerontology Practice Test

BCG BCG Pharmacology & Medication Management in Older Adults 2