Discussion Pharmacokinetics | NURS 104 - Introduction to Nursing and Medical Terminology
- How did the patient's age, weight, and body composition impact the pharmacokinetics of the
drug? For this Discussion, you reflect on a case from your past clinical experiences and consider how a patient’s pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes may alter his or her response to a drug. In one of my past clinical experiences, I encountered a case involving an elderly patient who was prescribed a medication for hypertension. This patient, let's call her Mrs. Smith, was in her late 70s and had a history of several chronic conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease. When considering Mrs. Smith's pharmacokinetic processes, there were several factors that could have influenced her response to the prescribed medication. Firstly, her age is an important consideration. As individuals age, physiological changes occur that can affect drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. For example, there may be a decrease in gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility, which can impact drug absorption. Additionally, changes in liver and kidney function can affect drug metabolism and excretion, respectively. Furthermore, Mrs. Smith's pathophysiological changes due to her comorbidities, such as kidney disease, may have altered her pharmacokinetic processes. Kidney disease can impair renal function, leading to a decreased clearance of drugs and potentially resulting in drug accumulation. This may require dosage adjustments to avoid drug toxicity. In terms of pharmacodynamics, Mrs. Smith's individual patient factors could also influence her response to the medication. Genetics can play a role in drug response, as certain genetic variations can affect drug metabolism or drug receptor interactions. Additionally, her comorbidities, particularly diabetes, could have an impact on how the medication works in her body. For example, certain antihypertensive medications may have different effects on blood glucose levels, which would need to be monitored