What is a potential risk associated with increased age in elderly clients regarding medication?

As individuals age, various physiological changes occur that can significantly affect how medications are processed in the body. One of the primary concerns is the increased risk of drug toxicity. This is due to slower metabolism and excretion, particularly in the liver and kidneys. In older adults, hepatic function might decline, leading to altered drug clearance and accumulation of medications in the body. Consequently, higher drug levels can result in adverse effects or toxicity.

Moreover, age often comes with multiple comorbidities, meaning elderly patients may be prescribed multiple medications. This polypharmacy can further compound the risk of drug interactions and side effects. Therefore, the increased risk of drug toxicity is a critical consideration when prescribing medications to elderly clients, making the correct response clearly focused on understanding these age-related changes in drug metabolism and excretion.

The other options do not align with age-related concerns in medication management. Increased efficacy of medications is not typically associated with age; rather, older adults may experience reduced drug responsiveness. Reduced medication costs may happen due to generics or changing health plan coverage but is not a direct risk linked to aging. Improved hepatic function is not common in the elderly; in fact, hepatic metabolism often declines with age, leading to potential toxicity.