An older adult female presents with loss of appetite and dark stools. Which medication should be held until an evaluation can be completed?

The correct choice of medication to hold in this scenario is the bisphosphonate. Bisphosphonates are commonly used to treat osteoporosis and can cause gastrointestinal irritation. In a patient presenting with loss of appetite and dark stools, these symptoms may indicate a potential gastrointestinal bleed, possibly from an ulcer or similar condition. Administering bisphosphonates in the presence of such symptoms could exacerbate any underlying issues and increase the risk of complications.

Evaluating the patient further is crucial to determining the cause of the gastrointestinal symptoms. Holding the bisphosphonate until a thorough evaluation is completed is a prudent measure to avoid making a potentially harmful situation worse. This reflects a cautious approach to patient safety, prioritizing the need to assess and manage any potential gastrointestinal conditions before resuming any medications that may impact that area.