A 70-year-old woman in residential aged care takes 10 regular medications, including multiple antihypertensives, a sedating antihistamine and long-act...

Question

A 70-year-old woman in residential aged care takes 10 regular medications, including multiple antihypertensives, a sedating antihistamine and long-acting benzodiazepine. She is increasingly confused and has had a fall. What is the most appropriate structured approach to her medicines?

Accepted Answer

Undertake a structured deprescribing review, prioritising sedative and anticholinergic agents

Answer

Continue all medications and treat falls with physiotherapy only

Answer

Cease all non-essential medications abruptly

Answer

Switch benzodiazepine to an opioid for sedation

Answer

Add an antipsychotic to manage confusion

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Polypharmacy and deprescribing in aged care

A 70-year-old woman in residential aged care takes 10 regular medications, including multiple antihypertensives, a sedating antihistamine and long-acting benzodiazepine. She is increasingly confused and has had a fall. What is the most appropriate structured approach to her medicines?