What should be included in a comprehensive medication review for elderly patients?

A comprehensive medication review for elderly patients should certainly focus on ensuring that medications are appropriately managed. This is crucial because older adults often have multiple health conditions that require complex medication regimens. By evaluating how medications interact, checking for potential side effects, and confirming that all prescriptions are necessary and effective, healthcare providers can optimize treatment plans and promote patient safety.

Additionally, the elderly are at increased risk for adverse drug reactions due to changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, as well as polypharmacy—taking multiple medications simultaneously. Therefore, ensuring proper management of medications not only helps in managing the existing health conditions more effectively but also in preventing future complications related to medication use.

The other options, while relevant to overall health and wellness, do not directly focus on the core goal of a medication review. Assessing physical therapy needs can contribute to a patient’s overall care plan, reviewing dietary habits can impact health outcomes, and evaluating lab test results can be important for assessing health aspects, but none of these directly address the critical necessity of managing medications effectively for elderly patients.