Chapter 6: Key points Flashcards
Concept Mastery Alert: Self-Prescribing Over-the-Counter Medications
Patients who report taking multiple over-the-counter combination medications to treat a cold should be assessed for indications of overdose. Taking doses of different medications to cover symptoms can lead to unintended overdose or toxic reaction.
Summary- Drugs in the 21st century
In the 21st century, drugs pose new challenges for patients and health care providers, including information overload, demands for specific treatments, increased access to self-care systems, and financial pressures to provide cost-effective care.
Summary- mass media and drugs
The mass media bombards consumers with medical reviews, research updates, and direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription drugs. If the use of a drug is stated, the adverse effects and cautions also must be stated. If the use is not stated, the drug advertisement is free to use any images and suggestions to sell the drug.
Summary- the internet and drug information
The internet provides consumer access to drug information, advertising, and even purchasing without a mediator of this information. Determining the reliability of an internet site is a challenge for the consumer and the health care provider.
Summary- OTC drugs and herbal and alternative therapies allow patients to do what?
OTC drugs and herbal and alternative therapies allow patients to make medical decisions and self-treat many common signs and symptoms. Problems arise when they are used inappropriately, when they interact with prescription drugs, or when they mask signs and symptoms, making diagnosis difficult.
Summary- increasing costs of drugs and health care led to what?
Increasing costs of drugs and health care led to the emergence of HMOs and tight regulations on medical therapy and drug therapy alternatives. The choice of a drug to be used may be determined by the HMO formulary or insurance company database or by cost comparison with other drugs in the same or a similar class. Cost comparison is a major consideration in the use of many drugs.
Summary- home care
Home care has become a significant portion of the health care system. Patients are increasingly more responsible for managing their medical regimens from home with dependence on home health providers and teaching and support from knowledgeable nurses.
Summary- emergency preparedness includes
Emergency preparedness in the post-9/11 era includes awareness of risks associated with biological or chemical weapon exposure and medical management for the victims.
Summary- what can illicit drug use and abuse of prescription drugs lead to?
Illicit drug use and abuse of prescription drugs can lead to dependence on the drug and physiological changes, causing health problems and changing the body’s response to prescribed drugs.
Summary: what can proper disposal of unused or expired medications help protect?
Proper disposal of unused or expired medications can help to protect the environment and may decrease drug-searching behaviors in some situations.
Summary: COVID-19
COVID-19 and our responses to the infection have changed the health care system and decreased many people’s health care resources.
