Course Code: REL-RTS-0-PGCMI
Hours: 1.5
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2029
Learning Objectives:
Identify signs and symptoms of adverse drug reactions in older adults.
Determine age-related changes that affect drug metabolism and increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Determine major medication classes commonly used in older adults and their effects on therapy.
Outline:
Section 1: Pharmacology and Aging
Just Part of Getting Older?
Why This Matters
Adverse Drug Events
ADRs
Pharmacokinetics and Aging
Absorption
Distribution and Storage
Drug Metabolism and Elimination
Half-Life
Additional Factors
High Risk Medications for Older Adults
Knowledge Check
Your Role
Medication Reconciliation
Timing Therapy Sessions
Identifying and Problem Solving ADRs
Key Takeaways
Section 2: Cardiovascular Medications
Cardiovascular Mediations
Antihypertensives
Diuretics
Beta-Blockers
ACE Inhibitors and ARBs
Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitors
Calcium Channel Blockers
Knowledge Check
Antiarrhythmics
Side Effects
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets
Therapy Considerations
Antihyperlipidemics
Statins
Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors
Anti-Angina Medications
Nitroglycerin
Key Takeaways
Section 3: Endocrine Disorders
Diabetes Medications
Insulin
Oral Diabetes Medications
Therapy Role
Knowledge Check
Thyroid Medications
Key Takeaways
Section 4: Analgesics and Muscle Relaxants
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Analgesics
Acetaminophen
NSAIDs
Opioid Analgesics
Side Effects
Clinical Use
Therapy Considerations
Corticosteroids
Side Effects
Medications for Neuropathic Pain
Knowledge Check
Medications to Reduce Muscle Tone
Medications for Spasticity
Muscle Relaxants
Therapy Considerations
Key Takeaways
Section 5: Central Nervous System
Anxiety and Depression
SSRIs and SNRIs
Additional Depression Medications
Therapy Considerations
Insomnia
Melatonin
Benzodiazepines
Non-Benzodiazepine Hypnotics
Anti-Depressants
Knowledge Check
Alzheimer’s Disease
Side Effects
Parkinson’s Disease
Carbidopa-Levodopa
Additional Medications
Impact on Therapy
Key Takeaways
Section 6: Additional Medications
Pulmonary Medications
Bronchodilators
Therapy Considerations
Knowledge Check
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Histamine-2 (H2) Blockers
Osteoporosis Medications
Allergy Treatment
Antihistamines
Epinephrine
Key Takeaways
Section 7: Conclusion
Summary
Course Contributors
Resources
References
Subject Matter Expert: Adam Root, PharmD
Adam Root graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2013. Adam has worked in the managed care, medication policy, drug information, and community pharmacy settings and has a background in policy and guideline development, clinical program design, and medication use evaluation. He is currently employed as a Drug Use Management Coordinator at Kaiser Permanente.
Writer: Nicole Fogarty, PT, DPT
Nicole Fogarty holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Northeastern University. She has experience treating patients with cardiopulmonary, orthopedic, and neurological impairments in the inpatient setting. She also has experience in outpatient orthopedics. She has additional training in medical screening, lumbopelvic examination and treatment, and treatment of patients with cardiopulmonary diseases. Nicole enjoys using her clinical experience and interest in current rehabilitation research as a Physical Therapy writer for Relias.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Advanced level Speech-Language Pathologists; Advanced level Speech-Language Pathology Assistant; Intermediate level Physical Therapist; Intermediate level Physical Therapist Assistant; Introductory level Occupational Therapist; Introductory level Occupational Therapy Assistant; in the following settings: Assisted Living Facility, Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (CORFs), Home Health Agencies, Rehabilitation Settings, Skilled Nursing Facility.
Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.
Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.