The highest priority for assessment by nurses caring for older adults who self-administer medications is:

A) use of multiple drugs with anticholinergic effects.
B) overuse of medications for erectile dysfunction.
C) misuse of antihypertensive medications.
D) trading medications with others.

Anticholinergic Effects

Anticholinergic effects result from certain medications or substances that block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, leading to side effects like dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and confusion.

Self-Administer Medications

The process by which patients take their own medications as prescribed, without direct supervision from healthcare professionals.