Which statement is true about adverse drug reactions?

Which statement is true about adverse drug reactions?

• A. They never affect older adults
• B. They are always life-threatening
• C. They can range from mild to severe, with Type E occurring during withdrawal
• D. They are not influenced by polypharmacy

Answer: (C)

Adverse drug reactions can vary widely in severity, from mild symptoms to serious, life-threatening events, and they can occur in anyone, including older adults. They aren’t restricted to being life-threatening, and their risk often increases with polypharmacy due to drug interactions and cumulative effects. A notable category is Type E, which describes withdrawal-related reactions that occur when a drug is stopped or its dose is reduced, causing symptoms during withdrawal. This combination—reactions ranging from mild to severe and including withdrawal effects—is what makes the statement true.

Adverse drug reactions can vary widely in severity, from mild symptoms to serious, life-threatening events, and they can occur in anyone, including older adults. They aren’t restricted to being life-threatening, and their risk often increases with polypharmacy due to drug interactions and cumulative effects. A notable category is Type E, which describes withdrawal-related reactions that occur when a drug is stopped or its dose is reduced, causing symptoms during withdrawal. This combination—reactions ranging from mild to severe and including withdrawal effects—is what makes the statement true.