What might be a consequence of the normal decrease in kidney function as people age?

The consequence of the normal decrease in kidney function as people age is that it can lead to an increased risk of overdose. As kidney function declines, the ability to filter and excrete medications from the body becomes less efficient. This means that drugs are eliminated more slowly, potentially causing their levels to build up in the bloodstream.

Consequently, if dosages are not adjusted to account for this reduced clearance, there is a greater chance that a patient could receive a drug concentration that is higher than intended, leading to toxicity or overdose. This phenomenon is particularly significant for medications that have a narrow therapeutic index, where the difference between an effective dose and a toxic dose is minimal.

The other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of reduced kidney function with age. Reduced need for medication would imply that fewer drugs are required, which does not necessarily correlate with decreased kidney function. Often, the opposite is true; people may require careful management of their medications due to the increased risk of accumulation. No change in drug efficacy is incorrect because a decrease in kidney function can alter how a drug works in the body over time. Finally, increased metabolism of medications typically occurs in the liver rather than the kidneys; hence, it's not directly related to the normal decrease in kidney function with