Promoting Positive Outcomes of Drug Therapy

Question 1

3 main reasons for drug monitoring:

Answer 1

• Determining therapeutic dosage: laboratory testing (warfarin, lithium, etc).
• Evaluating medication adequacy: lipid panels, A1C, etc.
• Identifying adverse effects: if a drug can cause liver damage, monitor liver enzymes

Question 2

What is medication adherence?

Answer 2

the extent to which patients take their medications as prescribed by the provider and agreed to by the patient

Question 3

What can lack of adherence lead to?

Answer 3

Lack of adherence can lead to disease exacerbations, avoidable hospitalizations, transitioning to long-term (i.e., “nursing home”) care, and premature deaths

Question 4

What are factors that affect non-adherence?

Answer 4

forgetfulness, lack of planning, cost, dissatisfaction, altered dosing