A client with decreased lean body mass is likely to have a prescription adjusted based on which pharmacokinetic process?

The pharmacokinetic process that is most relevant to a client with decreased lean body mass is distribution. Lean body mass affects the volume of distribution for many medications, particularly those that are hydrophilic or lipophilic.

In individuals with lower lean body mass, the total body water and the amount of muscle tissue that can bind and store certain drugs may be diminished. This can result in higher concentrations of a drug in the bloodstream after administration since there is less tissue to absorb and hold the drug. Consequently, medications that are distributed in muscle may require dosing adjustments to avoid toxicity.

Understanding the changes in distribution is crucial for healthcare professionals to tailor medication dosages appropriately, ensuring therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects in patients with decreased lean body mass.