Week 10 Content Flashcards
what are OTC meds
over the counter medication
four main things to NOT do when assisting with meds
- monitor outcome of any drug therapy
- purchase ANY meds (incl. OTC + herbal)
- fill pill boxes
- assist with meds not in care plan
what are defining characteristics of elixirs
-dissolved in liquid
containing alcohol or water and flavouring
what are defining characteristics of syrups
-dissolved in a concentrated sugar solution (liquid)
drugs and other substances used to prevent or treat disease or illness.
medications
administer vs assist
administer = to give assist = means to help
true or false - a psw can never administer medication
False, medication can be administered by a PSW if:
- you have been formally trained, supervised, and monitored
- it is in your job description
9 Roles of the PSW for medication
- remind
- check dosage
- bring to client
- loosen lid/container
- provide
- supervise
- assist
- observe
- report
alternative remedies
herbal or natural products that do not require a prescription
prescription medication
medication that requires a physician’s prescription and dispensed by a pharmacist
small gelatin containers that hold solid medication
capsules
flat discs containing medication in a flavoured base, to be dissolved slowly in mouth
lozenges
dry, powdered medications that have been formed into hard discs or cylinders
tablets
what is the only solid medication that can be cut in half
scored tablets
solid medications placed under the tongue and dissolved or absorbed into the body
sublingual
what are suspensions
medication suspended in a liquid that should be shaken or stirred before use
semi-solid material containing medication that stay within area they are applied
ointments or creams
medication on a small disc or patch that is applied to unbroken skin; absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin over a 24-hour period
transdermal discs or patches
solid form of meds inserted into rectum or vagina; dissolves via body heat and released/absorbed by mucous membranes
suppositories
liquid form of medication in a special container that allows one drop at a time to be administer (typically for eyes, ears, nose)
drops
injections
liquid form of medication that is injected using a syringe
device consisting of a plastic tube filled with medication, plunger, and a needle attached
syringe
three types of injections
intramuscular (in muscle)
intravenous (in vein)
subcutaneous (under skin)
medication particles suspended in air or gas that are inhaled into the lungs using a metered dose inhaler
aerosols
MDI + definition
metered dose inhaler - small cylinder combined with a special delivery system (aka puffer or inhaler)
unwanted response to a medication that occurs with the intended response
side effect
Why is it important to know your client’s normal behaviour?
You must know your client’s “normal” to recognize the “abnormal”.
Adverse drug reactions may go unnoticed in seniors because people think they are a “normal” part of aging.
drug synergism
combined effect of drugs amplifies effects
drug antagonism
combined effect of drugs counteracts effects
polypharmacy
taking more than prescribed dose or too many medications
generic name of drug
chemical name of drug (acetaminophen)
trade name of drug
trademarked, packaged name given by manufacturer (tylenol)
5 reasons why clients may not follow med directions
- complex medication dosage
- failing memory
- do not understand why they are taking the drugs
- afraid to ask questions
- poor eyesight – difficulty reading the medication labels
what are 3 changes in body composition that impacts drug effect
increase in body fat tissue
decrease in lean body tissue
decrease in water in body
holding chamber
device used with MDI that prevents medication from landing on user’s tongue (typically used by young, elderly, frail)
dangerous or unwanted side effect
adverse effect
antigen
substance that is attacked or fought by the body via antibodies
severe sensitivity to antigen that occurs rapidly and causes life threatening response involving whole body
anaphylaxis
ana= without
phylaxis = protection
MAR
medication administration record
9 Rights of Assisting w/ Meds
- Right Medication
- Right Person
- Right Dose
- Right Route
- Right Time
- Right Day
- Right Reason
- Right Expiry Date
- Right Documentation
what are 3 ways changes in GI function impacts drug effects
- decrease in gastric acid – slower breakdown of drug
- decrease in GI mobility possibly due to less fluids, eating less fruits/fibre
- decrease in blood flow to the kidneys = decrease filtering capacity
true or false: psw’s can teach client about medication
FALSE - nurse or pharmacist are the ones that teach client about medication, if the client does not understand their medication then notify your supervisor
5 Rights of Delegation
- Right Task
- Right Circumstances
- Right Person
- Right Directions & Communications
- Right Supervision & Evaluation
6 Roles of PSW in delegation
- Know your scope of practice
- Skills are not transferable to another client!
- As a PSW you should be able to demonstrate knowledge of theory and practice
- Written authorization should be given for the specific act for a specific client
- If you refuse a task you must have a good reason, never ignore a request to do provide care
- Know your agency’s/facility’s policies & procedures
Examples of delegated tasks
Injections Catheter insertion Bowel routine ROM Tube feedings Trachea suctioning Oxygen therapy Dressing changes
true/false: delegated tasks from one client can be transferred to another client
false, each delegated task is specific to that client with written authorization for each client.
6 DO’s of assisting meds
- Review the care plan and follow employer policies
- Bring the right containers to the client
- Know the correct dose
- Give a glass of water with oral meds
- Listen to the client
- Report and record any changes or questions (especially if the client refuses their medication)
6 DON’Ts of assisting meds
- Leave medications at the bedside for client to take later
- Remove labels from the containers
- Use medications in containers where labels cannot be easily read
- Use discoloured or expired medications
- Give or purchase over the counter medications for clients
- Allow medications to run out before telling someone
Four things the MAR contains
- Client’s name
- Name/dose/administration instructions for each medication
- A place to sign after giving the medication
- Any allergies, expected side effects, special instructions
pr
per rectum
qd
every day
pc
after meals
ac
before meals
sl
sublingual
prn
when necesarry
hs
hour of sleep (at bedtime)
hob
head of bed
LOC
level of consciousness
mcg
microgram
mg
milligram
mL
millilitre
MRSA
methiciline resistant staphylococus aureus
N+V
nausea + vomiting
NKDA
no known drug allergies
NPO
nothing by mouth
VS
vital signs
Tx
treatment
Sx
symptoms
ung
ointment