Which of the following is a common risk of polypharmacy?

The increased risk of drug interactions is a common risk associated with polypharmacy, which refers to the use of multiple medications by a patient, typically older adults who may be treated for various chronic conditions. When patients are prescribed several medications simultaneously, there is a higher likelihood that these drugs will interact with one another, potentially leading to adverse effects, diminished effectiveness of one or more drugs, or enhanced side effects.

As patients take more medications, tracking their effects and interactions becomes more complex, increasing the chances of complications. It is crucial for healthcare providers to regularly review a patient’s medication regimen to identify and mitigate these interactions, ensuring the safety and well-being of the patient.

Other options relate to outcomes that are generally desired or beneficial rather than inherent risks of polypharmacy. While enhanced effectiveness, improved management of chronic diseases, and reduction of medication errors might occur under specific circumstances, they are not risks and are not guaranteed outcomes in a polypharmacy scenario.