Influence of Aging on Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Processes Reflection

CASE STUDY LM is an 89-year-old female resident of a long-term care facility who has been experiencing multiple falls, some resulting in injuries such as bruising and skin tears. Over the last 6 months, her ambulation status has declined from independent to wheelchair level. She complains of pain in her legs when walking more than short distances across the nursing unit.

PMH:

• HTN
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Osteoarthritis
• Diabetes

MEDICATIONS:

• Amlodipine 10 mg QD
• Donepezil 10 mg QHS
• Levothyroxine 0.88 mg QAM
• Celecoxib 200 mg QD
• Furosemide 40 mg QAM
• Metformin 500mg, 1 BID
• Glyburide 5mg, 1 BID

ALLERGIES: NKA

SOCIAL HISTORY:

Widowed with 2 adult children living in town, retired photographer and owner of an art supply store

VITALS:      LABS:

Weight: 129 lbs                                   TSH 2.45         Free T4 0.98

Height: 64 inches                                Na 135, K+ 3.8, Cl 99, CO2 25,

BP: Supine = 177/82                           Glucose 101, SCr 0.9, BUN 42

HR: 78 bpm                                         WBC 7.0, RBC 4.5, Hgb 11.9, Hct 34.1

Plt 255

Cr: 1.6 UA: Clear

eGFR: 45 ml/min

PE:

• HEENT: Normocephalic, no evidence of trauma, PERRLA, EOMI, Dry mucous membranes
• CV: RRR
• Respiratory: Clear to auscultation bilaterally
• Abdomen: Soft, non-tender, no masses or guarding
• G/U: Skin intact, assisted with toileting and personal hygiene by staff
• Extremities: Bilateral 2+ edema to lower extremities; skin dry, dark bruising and skin tear to right elbow and forearm
• Neuro: Alert and oriented to person only. MMSE 18/30, stable over last 12 months.

PAIN ASSESSMENT:

Faces pain scale: No pain occurs at rest, upon walking, pain is moderate to severe

QUESTION:

Write a 2- to 3-page paper that addresses the following:

• Select one the following factors: genetics, gender, ethnicity, age, or behavior factors.
• Reflect on how the factor you selected might influence the patient’s pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes.
• Consider how changes in the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes might impact the patient’s recommended drug therapy.
• Think about how you might improve the patient’s drug therapy plan based on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes. Reflect on whether you would modify the current drug treatment or provide an alternative treatment option for the patient.