Lecture Notes: Role of the Nurse in Pharmacotherapy (Chapters 1-7)

Introduction

• Instructor: Dr. Nettles
• Course: Pharmacology
• Focus: Medications used to treat diseases, specifically how they work and how they should be used.
• SLO (Student Learning Objectives):
  • Outline the drug approval process.
  • Utilize the nursing process in patient-centered pharmacotherapy.
  • Incorporate Joint Commission standards in medication administration.
  • Implement nursing knowledge and responsibilities in medication administration.
  • Analyze the nurse’s role throughout medication administration.

Key Concepts

Drug Use and Effects

• Drugs can be used for multiple diseases and may have different effects on individuals.
• Nurses need to determine why a patient is on a specific medication and monitor for side effects.
• Nurse’s role:
  • Educate patients about medications.
  • Manage medication schedules.
  • Monitor effects and side effects.

Therapeutics and Pharmacotherapy

• Therapeutics: Focus on disease prevention and treatment.
• Pharmacotherapy: Application of drugs in treating disease.
• Drug classification involves:
  • Therapeutic Class: Based on usefulness.
  • Pharmacological Class: Based on action in the body.

Drug Naming

• Types: Chemical, Generic, Trade names.
  • Generic Names: Used for exams and in practice; easier to remember and classify.
  • Trade Names: Chosen by companies; may vary.

Drug Regulations

Over-the-Counter (OTC) vs. Prescription

• OTC: Do not require prescriptions but still have potential side effects.
• Prescription: Required from a healthcare provider.

Drug Approval Process

• Managed by the FDA.
• Four phases: Preclinical, Clinical, NDA Review, Post-Marketing Surveillance.
• Fast Track and Breakthrough Therapy: Expedited processes for urgent needs.

Controlled Substances

• Drugs with high potential for abuse are regulated.
• DEA: Requires health providers to register for prescribing controlled substances.
• Schedules: Range from Schedule I (high potential for abuse) to Schedule V (low potential).

Nursing Process (ADPIE)

• Assessment: Gather information, including medication history and allergies.
• Diagnosis/Identification: Identify problems and potential drug interactions.
• Planning: Prioritize goals and plan interventions.
• Implementation: Administer medications and educate patients.
• Evaluation: Monitor outcomes and adjust care as needed.

Medication Errors

• Causes: Omitting rights of administration, unclear directions, stressful environments.
• Patient contributions: Misunderstanding prescriptions, using multiple pharmacies.
• Prevention: Thorough assessment, clear communication, and monitoring.

Reporting and Handling Errors

• Incident reports: Required for documenting errors and near-misses.
• Focus: Patient safety and system improvements.
• Sentinel Events: Serious, reportable events leading to severe harm.

Med Reconciliation

• Essential for ensuring accurate medication records.
• Includes medications, doses, and administration schedules.

Safety and Accreditation

• Joint Commission: Sets standards for safety, including medication safety.
• EHRs and Barcoding: Improve safety and reduce errors through technology.

Conclusion

• Discussion boards are a resource for clarifying doubts and sharing information.

Important Tips:

• Always prioritize patient safety and effective communication.
• Keep up with continuous learning and updates in pharmacotherapy.