Lehne Pharmacology Ch. 2 Flashcards
Pre-administration assessment
1) Collect baseline data
2) Identify high-risk patients
3) Assess the patient’s capacity for self-care
Five+ Rights of Drug Administration
Right Drug Right Patient Right Dose Right Route Right Time
Right Documentation
Guidelines for Dosage and Adminstration
1) Read the medication order carefully. If the order is unclear, verify it with the prescriber.
2) Verify the identity of the patient by comparing the name on the wristband with the name on the drug order or MAR.
3) Read the medication label carefully. Verify the identity of the drug, the amount of the drug (per tablet, volume of liquid, etc.), and its suitability for administration by the intended route.
4) Verify dosage calculations.
5) Implement any special handling the drug may require.
6) Don’t administer any drug if you don’t understand the reason for its use.
Evaluating therapeutic response
Must know the rationale for treatment and the nature and time course of the intended response.
Adherence (def.)
Also known as compliance or concordance; the extent to which a patient’s behavior coincides with medical advice.
Minimizing adverse effects
Need to know:
1) The major adverse effects the drug can produce
2) When these reactions are likely to occur
3) Early signs that an adverse reaction is developing
4) Interventions that can minimize discomfort or harm
Minimizing adverse interactions
1) Take a thorough drug history
2) Advise patients to avoid OTC drugs that can interact with the prescribed medication
3) Monitor for adverse interactions known to occur between the drugs the patient is taking
4) Be alert for as-yet unknown interactions
Making PRN decisions
1) Know the reason for drug use
2) Be able to assess patient’s medication needs
Most common for hypnotics (sleeping pills)
Managing toxicity
1) Know the early signs of toxicity
2) Know the procedure for toxicity management
Pharmacology in Patient Education
Patients should know:
1) The name(s) of the medications they are taking, generic and trade names
2) How much to take
3) When to take it
4) What to do if they miss a dose
5) A way to remember if they have taken their medication (ex: pill box)
6) How to administer their medications, including any special instructions
7) How long or often to take the medication
8) How to store the medication
9) The nature and time course of expected beneficial effects
10) Possible adverse effects and interactions
Contraindication (def.)
A pre-existing condition that precludes the use of a particular drug under all but the most desperate circumstances.
Precaution (def.)
A pre-existing condition that significantly increases the risk of an adverse reaction to a particular drug, but not to a degree that is life threatening.
When to question a drug’s appropriateness
1) The drug has no actions that are known to benefit individuals with the patient’s medical diagnosis
2) The patient has failed to respond to the drug in the past
3) The patient had a serious adverse reaction to the drug in the past
4) The patient has a condition or is using a drug that contraindicates the prescribed drug
Groups of nursing interventions
1) Drug administration
2) Interventions to enhance therapeutic effects
3) Interventions to minimize adverse effects and interactions
4) Patient education (which encompasses information in the first three groups)
Evaluation in drug therapy
Evaluate patient for:
1) Therapeutic responses
2) Adverse drug reactions and interactions
3) Adherence to the prescribed regimen
4) Satisfaction with treatment
