For a 94-year-old client with multiple comorbidities, which medication should the nurse discuss discontinuing due to Beers Criteria?

The recommendation to consider discontinuing glyburide in a 94-year-old client with multiple comorbidities aligns with the Beers Criteria, which identifies potentially inappropriate medications for older adults. Glyburide is a sulfonylurea, and its use can present a higher risk for severe hypoglycemia, particularly in the elderly population. As individuals age, physiological changes such as decreased renal function, altered metabolism, and the potential for polypharmacy can exacerbate the risks associated with glyburide.

In older adults, the risk of hypoglycemia increases significantly because of their generally reduced glycogen stores and the frequent presence of other health conditions and medications that can interact adversely or confound symptoms of hypoglycemia. Managing blood sugar levels in older patients often necessitates a more cautious approach, prioritizing lifestyle modifications and medications with a lower risk of hypoglycemia, especially if cognitive function is compromised or if the patient has other significant health issues.

Other medications listed, such as aspirin, furosemide, and levothyroxine, have specific uses and although they may require monitoring in elderly patients, they do not carry the same risks of severe hypoglycemia as glyburide does, making glyburide the ideal candidate for discontinu