Question

The nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about adherence to medication in older adults. Which statement by the student indicates understanding of the teaching?
a."An inability to pay for medications contributes to most intentional nonadherence among older adults."
b."Most issues associated with nonadherence among older adults would be resolved with simplified drug regimens."
c."Most nonadherence in older adults results in drug toxicity and adverse drug effects."
d."The majority of older patients who do not adhere to drug regimens do so intentionally

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is D - "The majority of older patients who do not adhere to drug regimens do so intentionally."

Explanation:

Medication is often the first response to prevent and manage chronic illnesses and conditions in older adults, such as cognitive, sensorial decline, anxiety, depression. These are also factors that play a role in non-adherence to drug regimes. And although the majority of older patients who do not adhere do so intentionally, there are also a number of other reasons, such as:  

• Uninformed views about the seriousness of their condition

• Denial of condition and the medication that it requires

• Assuming that once their symptoms are relived or their state improves, they no longer need the medication

• Not believing in the effectiveness of the drug regime

• Concern about the stigma attached to a certain condition

• The fear of being dependent on the drugs and other side effects

But ultimately, patients are the ones who decide when, how and it they will take their medication. Nurses and other health professionals can assist with problematic areas that may be barriers to complete adherence by educating the elderly, having simpler drug regimes and reducing costs where possible.