Polypharmacy refers to the effects of taking multiple medications concurrently to manage coexisting health problems, such as diabetes and hypertension (Piere & Farrell, 2014).  Too often, polypharmacy becomes problematic, such as when patients are prescribed too many medications by multiple healthcare providers working independently of each other. Also, drug interactions can occur if no single healthcare provider knows the patient’s complete medication picture. Nurses have a unique opportunity to help identify patients at risk for inappropriate polypharmacy and to educate patients and families about risk reduction. Nurses can use strategies such as patient teaching and consistency in care plan (Piere & Farrell, 2014).

Some of the risk factors of polypharmacy are age and chronic conditions.  The elderly are more sensitive to the effects of certain drugs, particularly those that affect the central nervous system.  As a consequence, drug classes such as benzodiazepines should be used with caution, and if absolutely necessary, then at a reduced dose to minimize the risk of falls and other adverse events (Thomas, Liao & McCliar, 2016). In addition, age is associated with decreased regulatory functions, therefore anti-hypertensives can more easily result in postural hypotension and opiates in respiratory depression.  Communication barriers often go undetected in health care settings and can have serious effects on the health and safety of patients. Limited literacy skills are one of the strongest predictors of poor health outcomes for patients (Thomas, Liao, & McCliar, 2016).  If the patient is deaf, can’t see or is illiterate there are various strategies the nurse can use for example, advise the patient to bring someone with them to the visit.  Nurses who are responsible for checking patients in should be friendly and helpful. The length and number of forms patients are asked to fill out should be limited.