The most common treatment used in healthcare is the administration of medication. Medicines contribute to significant improvements in health when used appropriately. Unfortunately, medication administration can also be linked to an increase in adverse events potentially causing harm to patients whilst increasing healthcare costs. As nurses are primarily involved in the administration of medications across health care settings, it is their duty to the patient to know the actions and indications of all medications they administer, including dosage ranges, adverse reactions and the implications for the patient. Instructions for this assessment task: •Read the patient information and questions carefully •Draw on theoretical concepts of the principles of quality use of medicines, legal/ethical requirements and the nurse’s role in patient education. •Access relevant contemporary literature to support your discussion. References should mainly include refereed journal articles. Assignment case study: (1500 words ) It is the 24th of April, 1430hrs. Ms Angela Valencia, a 45 year old female, was admitted to Hospital two days ago for investigation of her abdominal pain. On admission, Ms Valencia was experiencing severe pain in the upper abdominal area (pain intensity score on the NRS = 8/10), she was vomiting, and she also had a fever. Ms Valencia explained that these symptoms had been present since the 20th of April, “a few days” prior to seeking help. Ms Valencia also described not wanting to move from her bed due to the pain and feeling lethargic. In response to Ms Valencia’s immobility related to an acute illness, the admitting doctor has prescribed enoxaparin. An IV was inserted, and IV fluids commenced. The abdo CT taken yesterday morning revealed that Ms Valencia has acute cholecystitis, and she was commenced on antibiotics on the 23rd of April for this. Today the General Surgery Team have explained to Ms Valencia that she will require surgery to remove her inflamed and infected gallbladder. The surgery is scheduled for the afternoon list tomorrow, the 25th of April. IV fluids, 0.9% NaCl with 30mmol of potassium (K+) continue at a 125mL/hr rate while Ms Valencia is nauseated and not drinking fluids. Ms Valencia has the following past medical history: •hypertension •migraines When you meet Ms Valencia, you note that she is drowsy but rousable and resting in bed. ​‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍​You take her observations and find: Temperature: 38.7 degrees Celsius (tympanic) Pulse: 105bpm (regular) Respirations: 12 breaths/ min at rest Blood pressure: 110/65 mmHg SpO2: 97% on room air Pain intensity score: 3/10 in upper right abdomen Height: 168cm Weight: 110kgs Ms Valencia also informs you that she experienced her usual pre-migraine aura last evening and saw “flashes of light”, however her headache is much better this afternoon after some doses of chewable Disprin. QUESTIONS Q1. Assess Ms Valencia’s medication chart. With consideration to the case scenario, identify and explain two (2) significant risks that may be associated with the use of these medicines. (Approximately 600 words) Q2. With consideration to the case scenario, describe the strategies a nurse may implement to prevent/manage the risks identified in Question 1. (Approximately 600 words) Q3. The doctor has prescribed amoxicillin, a time dependent antibiotic, to be administered every six hours prior to surgery. Explain why it is important to provide this medicine at the correct time.

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