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 Flashcards
The process by which substances pass through the intestinal wall into the blood.
Absorption
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.
anaphylaxis
A substance, usually a protein, that the body recognizes as foreign and that can evoke an immune response.
antigen
The path the drug takes from the bloodstream to the body tissues of the intended site of action.
distribution
An unusually weak drug effect that occurs when two or more drugs are taken at the same time.
drug antagonism
An unusually strong drug effect that occurs when taking two or more drugs at the same time.
drug synergism
The state at which the body gets accustomed to a substance so needs larger and larger amounts of it to experience the same effect.
drug tolerance
Exiting from the body, especially through the stool, urine, lungs, or skin.
excretion
Chemical reactions that take place to convert a drug from smaller molecules into waste products before it can exit the body.
metabolism
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.
metered dose inhaler (MDI)
The use of more medications by a client than is medically required.
polypharmacy
How a medication enters and is absorbed by the body.
route
Causing a desired, positive effect in the body.
therapeutic effect
The role of a PSW in assisting with medications may include one or more of the following:
• 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
A PSW is responsible for monitoring the outcome of a drug therapy.
T or F
False,
a PSW only reports and observes changes in client’s condition and behaviour.
If the client is unable to fill their dosette, a nurse, PSW or family member may do so.
T or F
False
It s not the responsibility of a PSW to fill dosettes, unless it has become a delegated task.
Medication on a small disc or patch that is applied to unbroken skin; absorbed through the skin over a 24-hour period
Transdermal disc or patch
List the factors that affect drug action in the body
age, body size, sex, genetic factors, emotional state, physical condition
• Sweating • Shortness of breath • Low blood pressure • Irregular pulse • Respiratory congestion • Swelling of the larynx (laryngeal edema) • Hoarseness • Dyspnea are signs and symptoms of
anaphylaxis
placed under the tongue.
sublingual
applied to the skin or mucous membranes.
topical
breathed in through the mouth or nose.
inhalant
injected by a needle into the muscle
parenteral
The body organ that metabolizes most drugs.
liver
MAR stands for
Medication administration record
Medications work in the body in the following sequence: absorption, distribution, metabolization, excretion
T or F
True
prn means
as needed
a specific situation in which a drug, procedure, or surgery should not be used because it may be harmful to the person.
Contraindication
OTC means
Over the counter, you do not need a prescription
Rx means
prescription
Relief felt everywhere in the body is called
systematic relief
a serious or harmful affect which may require the medication to be stopped
adverse affect
The 9 Rights of Medications are
- Right medication
- Right person
- Right side
- Right route (mouth, nose, eyes, IV)
- Right time
- Right day
- Right reason
- Right expiry date
- Right documentation
To ensure the right medication, you should
Identify medication, read label carefully
Check and compare with MAR
Read label twice
To identity Right Person
Ask name and dob
To ensure Right dose
Check MAR, Care plan and prescription label
Check unit of measurement. Eg ml
Make sure proper measuring device is used
To ensure Right route
Check MAR, Care plan, prescription label
Can be : oral, sublingual, topical (includes enema), inhalant, parentral (injection)
To ensure Right time check
Number of times per day
Times to be given in 24-hour time
Info on MAR, Care plan and prescription label
To ensure Right day
Check if medication is taken daily, or at other intervals
To ensure Right documentation
usually recorded on MAR
always document
report to supervisor if patient refuses to take medication
Medication errors should always be reported.
T or F
True, report to supervisor
Causes of medication errors include
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
Oral medication should always be given with water.
T or F
False,
give with water unless otherwise directed.
A. C. T. I. O. N.
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
A. C. T. I. O. N.
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
