Geriatric Pharmacotherapy Flashcards
7 cards from real MTM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Geriatric Pharmacotherapy flashcards as text
Which antidiabetic medication is generally preferred in older adults due to its low hypoglycemia risk and cardiovascular benefits?
Answer: Metformin (if renal function permits)
Metformin does not cause hypoglycemia on its own and has established cardiovascular benefits, making it a preferred first-line agent in eligible older adults.
A 77-year-old patient with moderate Alzheimer's disease is prescribed memantine. What is its primary mechanism of action?
Answer: NMDA receptor antagonism reducing glutamate excitotoxicity
Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that reduces pathological glutamate activity believed to contribute to Alzheimer's neurodegeneration.
What is the most appropriate blood pressure target for a frail elderly patient (≥80 years) with multiple comorbidities per current guidelines?
Answer: Individualized target around <150/90 mmHg balancing risk and benefit
For very elderly or frail patients, individualized targets around 150/90 mmHg are recommended to avoid the harms of over-treatment such as falls and syncope.
Which pharmacist intervention is most effective in reducing polypharmacy-related harm in older adults?
Answer: Conducting comprehensive medication reviews and deprescribing inappropriate drugs
Comprehensive medication reviews with targeted deprescribing reduce adverse drug events, hospitalizations, and medication burden in geriatric patients.
An elderly patient on chronic prednisone therapy should receive which preventive medication to reduce fracture risk?
Answer: Calcium and vitamin D supplementation with a bisphosphonate
Patients on chronic corticosteroids require calcium, vitamin D, and bisphosphonate therapy per guidelines to prevent glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.
Which factor most contributes to altered drug absorption in elderly patients?
Answer: Delayed gastric emptying and reduced GI motility
Reduced GI motility and delayed gastric emptying in older adults slow drug absorption, though overall bioavailability changes are often modest.
Which clinical syndrome in elderly patients is characterized by reduced reserve, vulnerability to stressors, and increased risk of adverse drug events?
Answer: Frailty
Frailty is a distinct clinical syndrome of diminished physiologic reserve that increases vulnerability to adverse drug reactions and poor outcomes in older adults.