How are drugs used in the hospital Flashcards
What is included in a drug chart?
A drug chart includes several sections such as:
Patient details: Patient’s name, hospital number, date of birth, weight, height, and drug intolerances.
Regular prescriptions: For medications to be given regularly for medical conditions or symptoms.
Once only prescriptions: For medications to be given only once or urgently as the first dose of a course of medicine.
As required prescriptions: For medications that are given only if needed.
Oxygen prescriptions: For prescribing oxygen therapy.
Infusion prescriptions: For intravenous fluids.
Why are patient details important on a drug chart?
Patient details, including the name, hospital number, date of birth, weight, height, and drug intolerances, are crucial because prescriptions cannot be dispensed or given without them. These details help ensure that the right patient receives the correct medication and dosage, and help prevent any potential drug interactions or adverse reactions.
What is the purpose of regular prescriptions in a drug chart?
Regular prescriptions are used when a medicine needs to be given on a regular basis, such as for managing a medical condition or controlling problematic symptoms. These prescriptions specify the dosage and frequency of medication administration.
What are once-only prescriptions used for?
Once-only prescriptions are used when a medicine needs to be given only once or when an initial dose of a medication is required urgently, such as for starting a course of treatment.
What are as-required prescriptions?
As-required prescriptions (PRN) are for medications that are to be given only when needed, such as pain relief or anti-nausea medication, depending on the patient’s symptoms or condition.
What is the purpose of oxygen prescriptions in a drug chart?
Oxygen prescriptions are specifically used for patients who require oxygen therapy. It ensures that the patient receives the correct flow rate and duration of oxygen based on their medical needs.
What is the purpose of infusion prescriptions?
Infusion prescriptions are used for ordering intravenous fluids, such as saline or dextrose solutions, to be administered to patients. This ensures that the patient receives the correct fluids and electrolytes via IV.
What is medicines reconciliation, and why is it important?
Medicines reconciliation is the process where a pharmacist reviews and verifies a patient’s medication list when they are admitted to or discharged from the hospital. This ensures that all regular medications are correctly prescribed and helps prevent errors such as drug omissions, duplications, or interactions.
How can a prescription be cancelled in a drug chart?
A prescription can be cancelled by drawing a clear line through it. It should then be signed and dated to indicate that it has been cancelled properly.
What is a TTO (To Take Out) prescription?
A TTO (To Take Out) prescription is a medication list prescribed for a patient when they are leaving the hospital. It is checked and supplied by the pharmacist and is communicated to the patient’s GP to update them on any changes to the patient’s medication regimen.
What is Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration (EPMA)?
EPMA is a digital system used for prescribing, administering, reviewing, and reconciling medicines. It allows healthcare professionals to manage medications electronically. The NHS aims to implement EPMA across various platforms by 2024.
What are the key steps involved in medicines reconciliation?
The key steps involved in medicines reconciliation include:
Collecting a repeat drug history from the patient or their records.
Verifying that all current regular medications are correctly listed and prescribed.
Ensuring that any discrepancies are resolved before discharge or transfer to another care facility.
