chapter 4

Question 1

assessment

Answer 1

information gathering regarding the current status of a particular patient, including evaluation of past history and phys exam; provides baseline of info and clues to effectiveness of therapy

Question 2

evaluation

Answer 2

part of the nursing process; determining the effects of the interventions that were instituted for the patient and leading to further assessment and intervention. the pt is continually evaluated for therapeutic response, the occurrence of adverse drug effects and interactions with other intake.

Question 3

implementation

Answer 3

actions undertaken to meet a patient’s needs, such as administration of drugs, comfort measures, or patient teaching. This process includes setting goals and desired patient outcomes to assure safe and effective drug therapy.

Question 4

nursing

Answer 4

the art of nurturing and administering to the sick, combined w/ the application of chem, anatomy, physio, biology, nutrition, psychology, and pharmacology to the particular situation

Question 5

nursing diagnosis

Answer 5

statement of an actual or potential problem, based on the assessment of a particular clinical situation, which directs needed nursing interventions

Question 6

nursing process

Answer 6

the problem-solving process used to provide efficient nursing care; it involves gathering information (assessment), formulating a nursing diagnosis stmt, carrying out interventions, and evaluating the process

Question 7

Because the nurse is responsible for holistic care, what data must be included in assessment?

Answer 7

physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and environmental

Question 8

True or False: The process of assessment ends with recording the history of the patient, current status and physical exam.

Answer 8

FALSE. The process never ends b/c the patient is in a dynamic state, continuously adjusting to physical, emotional, and environmental influences.

Question 9

Why is a patient’s history important in relation to drug therapy?

Answer 9

Past experiences and illnesses can influence a drug’s effect. Knowing this info will promote safe/effective use of the drug and prevent adverse effects, drug-drug, drug-food, or drug-alternative therapy interactions.

Question 10

How can chronic conditions affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a drug?

Answer 10

Renal disease, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic lung disease could be contraindications to the use of a drug. The dosage may need to be adjusted based on the patient’s condition. (A pt w/ renal disease may require decreased dose b/c of the way the drug is eliminated.)

Question 11

How is drug use in patient history relevant?

Answer 11

Rx, OTC, and street drugs, as wells as alcohol, nicotine, alternative therapies, and caffeine may have an impact on a drug’s effect.

Question 12

How are allergies in patient history relevant?

Answer 12

It can affect drug therapy. Past exposure to a drug or other allergens can provoke a future reaction or necessitate the need for cautious use of the drug, food or animal product.

Question 13

How is a patient’s education relevant?

Answer 13

The nurse can determine the appropriate types of teaching info and it provides a baseline for developing a patient education program. (Stress, disease and environmental factors can all affect a patient’s learning readiness and ability.)

Question 14

Why is it important to find out what kind of support system patients have?

Answer 14

B/c patients are being d/c from health care facilities earlier than before, often w/ continuing care needs. Patient’s may need home care and help with drug therapy.

Question 15

How might a patient’s finances affect drug therapy?

Answer 15

If the patient can’t afford the drugs, he/she may not take it. If the patient has no way of getting to the pharmacy there will be an issue w/ compliance. Nurse may need to prescribe a cheaper drug.

Question 16

What aspects of the patient’s physical examinations is relevant to drug therapy?

Answer 16

Weight, age, and physical parameters related to disease or drug effects. Weight determines drug dose. Age requires dose adj. based on functional level of liver and kidneys (child to older adult).

Question 17

What are the 7 points to ensure safe and effective drug administration?

Answer 17

CORRECT drug and patient, correct storage of drug, correct and most effective route, correct dose, correct preparation, correct timing, correct recording of administration.

Question 18

How can a nurse encourage pt compliance with a drug regimen?

Answer 18

PLACEBO EFFECT: the nurse’s attitude and support can be critical b/c anticipation that a drug will be helpful has a successful impact on drug therapy. MANAGING ADVERSE EFFECTS: interventions like environmental control, safety measures, and physical comfort can decrease the impact of the anticipated adverse effects of the drug. LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENT: pt may have to be close to bathroom for diuretics, or plan their morning to take drug on empty stomach, or plan a meal 30 min after drug.

Question 19

What should be included in a drug education program?

Answer 19

Name, dose, action of drug, timing of administration, special storage and preparation instructions, specific OTC or alternative therapies to avoid, special comfort measures, safety measures, specific points about toxicity, specific warnings about drug discontinuation

Question 20

Interventions

Answer 20

Nursing actions that guide the care provided to the pt by the nurse. They can be dependent, interdependent or independent. A nurse may need to make sure something is done about a problem she identified–dosage change, label printed in primary language…

Question 21

Prevention of medication errors involves who?

Answer 21

The prescriber, the pharmacist, the nurse administering the drugs, and the patient. Patient and family education plays a vital role.

Question 22

What are the “rights” of medication administration?

Answer 22

Right patient
Right drug
Right storage
Right route
Right dose
Right preparation
Right time
Right recording