OTC Medication Counselling

Question 1

What are the three initial steps to perform in an OTC consultation?

Answer 1

1) Who is the patient?
2) Have you seen an MD?
3) Assess symptoms.

Question 2

What are the subsequent steps of an OTC consult (Steps 4-7)?

Answer 2

4) Contemplate tentative course of action.
5) Assess patient health status.
6) State recommendation.
7) Provide info on proper use.

Question 3

When assessing a patient’s health status, what should you consider in order to ensure an OTC recommendation will be safe?

Answer 3

-On other meds?
-Other health problems (ie. Diabetes, Asthma, Hypertension)?

Question 4

When would we want to refer a patient to an MD?

Answer 4

-Severe &/or persistent symptoms.
-Age… Old & Young.

Question 5

Provide examples of good questions that might help us distinguish a cold from the common flu.

Answer 5

-Did symptoms hit you fast?
-Do you have a fever?
-Body chills?
-Any nasal or head congestion?
-Do you have any difficulties getting out of bed?
-Any muscle weakness or fatigue?

Question 6

What are some examples of good factoids regarding proper OTC usage?

Answer 6

-How to best use an agent… How long & how often.
-Signs to watch for.
-What successful treatment looks like.
-What to do if therapy doesn’t work.