OSCE drug counselling Flashcards
What is the approach to a drug counselling station ?
- Establish the patients understanding of why they are there, what they are there to talk about and if they’re ready to hear everything.
- Take a general history -> including PMH, medications and allergies.
- What do they understand about the drug
- Explain how they drug works
- Explain how to take it and how often
- Explain how long they will be on it
- Explain what to do if they miss a dose
- Pre testing / monitoring
- Benefits of treatment
- SE of treatment
- Safety net
- Can they make any beneficial lifestyle changes
- Check understanding
What specific questions should be asked to rule out cautions / CI before starting a pt on steroids ?
- Pre exisiting conditions (DM, HTN, CKD, liver problems).
- Stomach ulcers
- Previous mental health issues
- Breastfeeding / any chance you could be pregnant?
- Any regular meds (inc NSAIDs)
What are corticosteroids ?
Medications that act to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system in various conditions.
How should patients take steroids
- Usually orally
- Once daily
- Take with food to prevent stomach irritation
- In the morning ! To prevent interruption of sleep !
- Usually long term
what should a patient taking steroids do if they miss a dose ?
Take it as soon as they remember, don’t take two in one day !
What monitoring is done when on long term steroids
- Baseline BP, weight, HbA1c.
- Monitor BP, blood sugar and weight.
Side effects of long term steroid use ?
- Short term : sleep disturbance, weight gain, change in mood, GI upset
- Long term : skin thinning, easy burisinh, thinnin bonesn
- DO NOT SUDDENLY STOP TAKING - talk to doctot before stopping as body’s natural production will be reduced.
What should patients taking steroids always carry
Steroid emergency card - very important so healthvcare professionals are aware they take regular steroids and therefor don’t miss a dose.
What should patients do when ill if taking regular steroids?
Contact a heatlhcare professional so they can guide the patient in terms of doubling their dose !.
Important history to check when starting a patient on metformin
- Symptoms
- Any previous management : impact, compliance, SE.
CI / Cautions to check before metformin
- PMH : liver / kidney problems
- Drug Hx
- Allergies
How does metformin work
- Works to lower the blood sugar by reducing how much glucose your liver releases and helping cells to absorb it !
- Does so without sending your blood sugar too low !
Why is it important to control blood sugar levels
If they get too high they can cause long term damage to our bodies. Increase our risk of srtoke, damage the nerves in our body and effect our vision.
How is metformin taken
Usually tablet
Same time everday with a meal
Dose will be increased gradually
Duration of treatement
“Treatment of diabetes is life-long. After being prescribed metformin, you will likely be taking this long-term. We may need to change your metformin dose depending on your blood sugar levels”.