 M.M. is a 70 year old female who has been diagnosed with the following health conditions:

Scenario

 M.M. is a 70 year old female who has been diagnosed with the following health 

conditions:

o Hypertension (diagnosed at 35 years old)

o Hypothyroidism (diagnosed at 50 years old)

o Arrhythmia (diagnosed at 68 years old)

o Macular Degeneration (diagnosed at 70 years old)

o Parkinson’s disease (diagnosed at 65 years old)

o Arthritis (diagnosed at 55 years old)

o Edema (diagnosed at 68 years old)

 The following medications have been prescribed:

o Synthroid (generic: Levothyroxin Sodium) – Refill 30 tabs/1x per month

o Inderal (generic: Propranolol) – Refill 30 tabs/1x per month.

o Lasix (generic: Furosemide) – Refill 60 tabs/1x per month.

o Percocet – Refill 30 tabs/1x per month 

o Lucentis – Refill 90 tabs/1x per month

o Sinemet (Levodopa/Carbidopa) – Refill 30 tabs/1x per month.

o Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) – Refill 90 tabs/1x per month.

 M.M. is often busy and doesn’t always remember to take her medications as 

prescribed. She often may take extra to “catch up” when she forgets.

 M.M. often has a glass of wine with dinner when she goes out with her daughter 

(at least once a week). 

 M.M. is living in an assisted living facility with 8 other residents.

 M.M. has Medicare and a Medigap supplement for her insurances.

 M.M. has meals prepared by the facilities staff, based upon recommendations 

from the registered dietitian.

 When possible, M.M. goes on the scheduled trips that the assisted living facility 

frequently schedules to museums, shopping excursions and other points of 

interest. 

 M.M. is considered underweight for her height (96 lbs. for 5’4″). A normal weight 

would be between 110-140 lbs.

Questions for Case Study

1. What concerns do you have for M.M. regarding medication management? 

(Note: Explain what conditions may lead to adverse drug effects.)

2. What individuals/agencies should be involved in addressing these 

concerns? (Note: Who should be included in the discussion or be 

consulted regarding medication management?)

3. How would you develop an intervention/care strategy of reducing the 

potential risks for M.M. experiencing an adverse drug reaction? (Note:

What steps should be taken to reduce drug interactions and preventable 

adverse reactions).

4. What can M.M. do to reduce the potential for an adverse drug effect? (Note: 

What changes may be necessary to reduce preventable adverse drug 

reactions?)

5. What other agencies can assist with improving M.M.’s medication 

adherence to minimize adverse medication effects? (Note: Think about 

what types of devices or tools are available to remind Older Adults to take 

their medication or applications to prevent adverse drug interactions.)

6. What processes or procedures are necessary to safeguard M.M. from 

experiencing an adverse drug interaction or effect?