Chapter 17-Safe Medication Use When caring for older adults, it is important for the nurse to understand special considerations for medication use in
the older population. Drugs act differently in older adults than in younger adults and require careful dosage adjustment and monitoring. Older adults
are also more likely than other populations to take more than one medication regularly, increasing the risk of interactions and adverse reactions. To
minimize the risks associated with drug therapy and ensure that medications do not create more problems than they solve, close supervision and
adherence to sound
principles of safe drug use are essential in gerontological nursing. Investigate the Intemet for information on the “Beer’s list.”
- What is Beer’s list, what is the purpose?
- What commonly used medications appear on this list that are ordered
routinely for your patients? - What ramifications might your findings have for your practice?
- What are your responsibilities to the patient regarding your findings?