Routine age-related changes are not synonymous with a disease process. Still, aging is an inevitable process that results in predictable changes in physiologic function, with common changes occurring with aging.

Critical Thinking Exercises

1.  Explain the physiologic and pathophysiological changes of the geriatric adult that affect drug metabolism. 

2.  Describe polypharmacy in the elderly patient and the problems polypharmacy can cause in the elderly. Delineate in detail at least three problems polypharmacy can cause. Provide evidence-based information to support your answers. 

3.  Identify and designate clinical practice guidelines to prevent the use of unnecessary medications in elderly patients. Include clinical practice guidelines websites, citations, and links.  

Directions: At least 150 words for the discussion answers, excluding the references list. Three references from peer-reviewed websites or journals, dated within the last 5 years, unless classic research or clinical practice guidelines.  No consumer websites. Citations and references in APA 7th edition format.