Clearing up the confusion: adverse effects of medications in the elderly.

1. Physiological changes normally seen in elderly patients affect the pharmacodynamics of medications and may contribute to adverse effects. 2. A large number of medications can potentially cause confusion as an adverse effect in the vulnerable elderly patient. 3. Inadequate patient education contributes to noncompliance and errors in self-administration of medications. 4. A high index of suspicion is indicated when the nurse observes changes in mental status in the older adult after a new prescription is begun, when multiple medications are taken, and when some medications have been taken for extended periods.