West Coast EMT Block One Exam

What is common among older adults regarding medication?

1. Are able to increase their muscle mass.

2. Take multiple medications.

3. Experience a decrease in body fat as they age.

4. Are unable to overcome medical problems.

The correct answer is: Take multiple medications.

Older adults often take multiple medications, a phenomenon known as polypharmacy. This is due to various factors, including the increased prevalence of chronic conditions among older populations, such as hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis. As individuals age, they may be prescribed numerous medications to manage these health issues, leading to a complex medication regimen that can include prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. Managing multiple medications can have implications for health outcomes, including the risk of drug interactions, adherence challenges, and the potential for side effects. Understanding the significance of polypharmacy is crucial for healthcare providers, as they must be adept at reviewing and coordinating medications to ensure safety and effectiveness. Other choices do not accurately represent common trends in older adults. For example, the ability to increase muscle mass generally declines with age due to factors like decreased physical activity and hormonal changes. While some older adults may indeed experience changes in body fat distribution, it is more accurate to say that body fat can increase rather than decrease. Lastly, while older adults may face significant medical challenges, many can and do work to overcome these issues with appropriate medical care and lifestyle adjustments. Thus, the most common characteristic among older adults regarding medication is indeed their propensity to take multiple medications.