Why might a nurse adjust medication dosages in the presence of polypharmacy?

Adjusting medication dosages in the presence of polypharmacy is essential to mitigate the risks of adverse effects. Polypharmacy, which involves the use of multiple medications by a patient, often especially in older adults, can lead to increased risk of drug interactions, side effects, and other complications.

By carefully evaluating and adjusting dosages, a nurse can help ensure medications are provided at optimal levels that maximize therapeutic effects while minimizing negative reactions. This proactive approach is vital for maintaining patient safety, preventing complications that arise from overlapping drug actions, and ensuring that each medication's benefits outweigh potential risks.

In contrast, maximizing medication interactions, ensuring unnecessary medications, or promoting longer treatment durations do not contribute to patient safety and wellbeing, and therefore are not valid reasons for adjusting dosages in this context.