Older adults are at higher risk for adverse drug events. Which statement best explains this risk?

Older adults are at higher risk for adverse drug events. Which statement best explains this risk?

• A. Increased hepatic metabolism
• B. No change in pharmacokinetics
• C. Normal aging changes affecting drug metabolism and distribution
• D. Polypharmacy is avoided

Answer: (C)

Older adults face higher risk for adverse drug events because aging brings normal changes in how the body handles medications, affecting metabolism and distribution. As people age, hepatic blood flow and liver mass often decline and enzyme activity can decrease, slowing drug metabolism and clearance. At the same time, body composition shifts—with more body fat and less total body water—altering how drugs distribute through the body and potentially prolonging their effects. Renal function also tends to decline, further reducing elimination. These combined shifts mean drug levels can rise or linger longer, increasing the likelihood of adverse effects. The statement reflects these aging-related changes in metabolism and distribution. Increased hepatic metabolism is not typical; pharmacokinetics do change with age; and polypharmacy is common in older adults, not something to be avoided, which is why those options don’t fit as well.

Older adults face higher risk for adverse drug events because aging brings normal changes in how the body handles medications, affecting metabolism and distribution. As people age, hepatic blood flow and liver mass often decline and enzyme activity can decrease, slowing drug metabolism and clearance. At the same time, body composition shifts—with more body fat and less total body water—altering how drugs distribute through the body and potentially prolonging their effects. Renal function also tends to decline, further reducing elimination. These combined shifts mean drug levels can rise or linger longer, increasing the likelihood of adverse effects. The statement reflects these aging-related changes in metabolism and distribution.

Increased hepatic metabolism is not typical; pharmacokinetics do change with age; and polypharmacy is common in older adults, not something to be avoided, which is why those options don’t fit as well.