What action is appropriate if an older adult client is at increased risk for hepatic side effects?

Contacting the provider for lab work recommendations is an important step when an older adult client is at increased risk for hepatic side effects. This action allows for the assessment of liver function through laboratory tests, which can provide critical information on how the client’s liver is handling medications. Older adults often have diminished physiological reserves and may metabolize drugs at different rates, increasing the risk of toxicity or adverse effects. By obtaining lab work recommendations, healthcare providers can proactively monitor liver function and make any necessary adjustments to medication regimens in response to the findings.

The other actions, while relevant to patient care, do not specifically address the immediate need to assess liver function and potential alterations in medication management based on the risk for hepatic side effects. Administering medication without further monitoring could lead to significant complications, and merely monitoring for adverse reactions does not preemptively mitigate the risks. Informing the family about risks is important for education and support but does not involve the clinical assessment required to safeguard the patient's health in this situation.