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Authors:
Fran Laughton, RN, PHN, MSN, FNP
Tracey Long, PhD, RN, APRN
Contact hours: 2
AOTA CEUs: 0.2
Expiration date: August 1, 2025
Course price: $19*
*Register or login when you reach the last chapter.
50% off thru 10-31-2025--Use Code AMJ during payment.
Course Summary
Outlines the serious and often life-threatening problem of polypharmacy in elders, including the increased risk for falls. Pharmacodynamics are explained in context of the geriatric population. Beers criteria, used to identify inappropriate medications for older adults, is introduced. Includes measures to improve medication management and to enhance compliance.
For Mail Order
To register and pay via U.S. mail, please download the PDF below and follow the written instructions.
Overmedication: A Hazard for Elders
Target Audience
Nurses, nurse practitioners, advanced practice nurses, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants*.
ATrain Education is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Approved provider #6558. This distance learning-independent is offered at 0.2 CEUs, introductory, Foundational Knowledge. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
Criteria for Successful Completion
Study the course material, achieve a score of 80% or higher on the post test (the post test can be repeated if a learner scores less than 80%), complete the course evaluation, and pay where required. No partial credit will be awarded.
Accreditation
To find specific accreditations or approvals, click here.
Conflict of Interest/Commercial Support Disclosure
The planners and authors of this learning activity have declared no conflicts of interest, vested interest, or financial relationship that may influence the content of this activity. All information is provided fairly and without bias.
ATrain Education, Inc. received no outside financial or commercial support in the preparation, presentation or implementation of this learning activity and has no affiliation with any company whose products or services are mentioned in this activity.
Course Objectives
When you finish this course you will be able to*:
- Identify the problem of polypharmacy in elders and summarize the risks of multiple medications.
- Discuss physiologic changes of aging that impact the efficacy of medications and distinguish between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
- Explain the Beers criteria and additional screening strategies for identifying inappropriate medications for older adults.
- Identify adverse results of polypharmacy.
- Relate polypharmacy to the risk for falls in older adults.
- List ways of improving medication management for elders.
*Please note: attainment of course objectives will be assessed in the course evaluation.