Assisting with Medications - Info from Mosby's Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker - E-Book – Sheila A. Sorrentino, Leighann Remmert, Mary J. Wilk, Rosemary Newmaste

Question 1

The process by which substances pass through the intestinal wall into the blood.

Answer 1

Absorption

Question 2

A severe allergic reaction that occurs rapidly and causes a life-threatening response involving the whole body. This reaction can lead to difficulty breathing and shock and can ultimately lead to death.

Answer 2

anaphylaxis

Question 3

A substance, usually a protein, that the body recognizes as foreign and that can evoke an immune response.

Answer 3

antigen

Question 4

The path the drug takes from the bloodstream to the body tissues of the intended site of action.

Answer 4

distribution

Question 5

An unusually weak drug effect that occurs when two or more drugs are taken at the same time.

Answer 5

drug antagonism

Question 6

An unusually strong drug effect that occurs when taking two or more drugs at the same time.

Answer 6

drug synergism

Question 7

The state at which the body gets accustomed to a substance so needs larger and larger amounts of it to experience the same effect.

Answer 7

drug tolerance

Question 8

Exiting from the body, especially through the stool, urine, lungs, or skin.

Answer 8

excretion

Question 9

Chemical reactions that take place to convert a drug from smaller molecules into waste products before it can exit the body.

Answer 9

metabolism

Question 10

A pressurized canister of medication, surrounded by a plastic case that has a mouthpiece. Pressing the device releases a single dose of medication as a mist.

Answer 10

metered dose inhaler (MDI)

Question 11

The use of more medications by a client than is medically required.

Answer 11

polypharmacy

Question 12

How a medication enters and is absorbed by the body.

Answer 12

route

Question 13

Causing a desired, positive effect in the body.

Answer 13

therapeutic effect

Question 14

The role of a PSW in assisting with medications may include one or more of the following:

Answer 14

• Reminding the client to take a medication • Bringing medication containers to the client • Bringing pre-poured medications, prefilled syringes, blister packs, or dosettes (pillboxes) to the client • Reading the prescription label to the client • Loosening or removing container lids or opening blister packs • Checking the dosage against the medication label • Providing water or other fluids, as needed • Supervising the client as the client places the medication into the hand, measuring spoon, or cup • Steadying the client’s hand while the client places medications or administers eye drops, nasal sprays, and so on. • Documenting the medications that you gave in the client’s medication

Question 15

A PSW is responsible for monitoring the outcome of a drug therapy.
T or F

Answer 15

False,

a PSW only reports and observes changes in client’s condition and behaviour.

Question 16

If the client is unable to fill their dosette, a nurse, PSW or family member may do so.
T or F

Answer 16

False

It s not the responsibility of a PSW to fill dosettes, unless it has become a delegated task.

Question 17

Medication on a small disc or patch that is applied to unbroken skin; absorbed through the skin over a 24-hour period

Answer 17

Transdermal disc or patch

Question 18

List the factors that affect drug action in the body

Answer 18

age, body size, sex, genetic factors, emotional state, physical condition

Question 19

• Sweating • Shortness of breath • Low blood pressure • Irregular pulse • Respiratory congestion • Swelling of the larynx (laryngeal edema) • Hoarseness • Dyspnea are signs and symptoms of

Answer 19

anaphylaxis

Question 20

placed under the tongue.

Answer 20

sublingual

Question 21

applied to the skin or mucous membranes.

Answer 21

topical

Question 22

breathed in through the mouth or nose.

Answer 22

inhalant

Question 23

injected by a needle into the muscle

Answer 23

parenteral

Question 24

The body organ that metabolizes most drugs.

Answer 24

liver

Question 25

MAR stands for

Answer 25

Medication administration record

Question 26

Medications work in the body in the following sequence: absorption, distribution, metabolization, excretion
T or F

Answer 26

True

Question 27

prn means

Answer 27

as needed

Question 28

a specific situation in which a drug, procedure, or surgery should not be used because it may be harmful to the person.

Answer 28

Contraindication

Question 29

OTC means

Answer 29

Over the counter, you do not need a prescription

Question 30

Rx means

Answer 30

prescription

Question 31

Relief felt everywhere in the body is called

Answer 31

systematic relief

Question 32

a serious or harmful affect which may require the medication to be stopped

Answer 32

adverse affect

Question 33

The 9 Rights of Medications are

Answer 33

1. Right medication
2. Right person
3. Right side
4. Right route (mouth, nose, eyes, IV)
5. Right time
6. Right day
7. Right reason
8. Right expiry date
9. Right documentation

Question 34

To ensure the right medication, you should

Answer 34

Identify medication, read label carefully
Check and compare with MAR
Read label twice

Question 35

To identity Right Person

Answer 35

Ask name and dob

Question 36

To ensure Right dose

Answer 36

Check MAR, Care plan and prescription label
Check unit of measurement. Eg ml
Make sure proper measuring device is used

Question 37

To ensure Right route

Answer 37

Check MAR, Care plan, prescription label

Can be : oral, sublingual, topical (includes enema), inhalant, parentral (injection)

Question 38

To ensure Right time check

Answer 38

Number of times per day
Times to be given in 24-hour time
Info on MAR, Care plan and prescription label

Question 39

To ensure Right day

Answer 39

Check if medication is taken daily, or at other intervals

Question 40

To ensure Right documentation

Answer 40

usually recorded on MAR
always document
report to supervisor if patient refuses to take medication

Question 41

Medication errors should always be reported.

T or F

Answer 41

True, report to supervisor

Question 42

Causes of medication errors include

Answer 42

Problem in technique - e.g. dropping a pill
Omission - forgetting to give a! medication
Incorrect documenting
Failure to follow 9 Rights
Wrong person
Wrong medication
Wrong dose
Wrong time
Wrong route
Not taking when ordered

Question 43

Oral medication should always be given with water.

T or F

Answer 43

False,

give with water unless otherwise directed.

Question 44

A. C. T. I. O. N.

Answer 44

Assess / observe the situation
Contact your supervisor
Talk to family member if present
Identify how you can help
Open the chart and document
Note to follow up

Question 44

A. C. T. I. O. N.

Answer 44

Assess / observe the situation
Contact your supervisor
Talk to family member if present
Identify how you can help
Open the chart and document
Note to follow up