Elderly persons taking antipsychotics are especially susceptible to all of the following side effects except?
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the understanding of the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of antipsychotic medications in the elderly population, specifically their increased susceptibility to certain side effects due to age-related changes in physiology.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The elderly population is more susceptible to antipsychotic side effects due to age-related changes in drug metabolism, renal function, and body composition. Antipsychotics are metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP2D6, which activity decreases with age, leading to increased plasma concentrations and increased side effects. Additionally, the elderly have a higher risk of falls, which can be exacerbated by antipsychotic-induced orthostatic hypotension.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because elderly persons are indeed susceptible to antipsychotic-induced orthostatic hypotension, which can lead to falls and other complications.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because elderly persons are more susceptible to antipsychotic-induced QT interval prolongation, which can increase the risk of torsades de pointes and other cardiac arrhythmias.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because elderly persons are more susceptible to antipsychotic-induced sedation, which can exacerbate existing cognitive impairment and increase the risk of falls.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When prescribing antipsychotics to elderly patients, it is essential to monitor for signs of orthostatic hypotension, QT interval prolongation, and sedation, and to adjust dosages and monitor for these side effects closely.
**Correct Answer: D. Extrapyramidal symptoms.**