Patient information
Before administering a drug, the nurse must review information about the
patient to assure that the patient will not have an adverse reaction to the drug.
The nurse must determine:- Does the patient have any allergies to the drug or to food that might be
given along with the drug? - Has the patient’s condition changed since the drug was ordered?
- What is the patient’s age?
- What is the appropriate dose of the drug based upon the patient’s weight?
- What is the patient’s gender?
- Is the patient pregnant?
- What is the patient’s primary language?
- Are there any religious or cultural influences that would cause the patient
to resist taking the medication? - Does the patient know and understand the purpose of the medication?
- Does the patient’s history include taking vitamins, birth control pills, and
herbal remedies? - Does the patient use illegal drugs or alcohol?
- Does the patient have a tolerance for the drug that is being administered?
- Are there any genetic factors that might cause an adverse reaction by tak-
ing the medication? - Are there any emotional factors that can affect the patient’s ability to take
the drug? - Are there any contraindications for the medication that are indicated by
taking vital signs and reviewing current laboratory and diagnostic tests? - Is the patient’s mental status sufficient so that the patient understands why
medication is being administered? Is there someone available to monitor
the patient? - Can the patient afford the medication?
- Will family members or friends be with the patient to monitor for side effects
and toxicity? - Is the patient scheduled for tests, procedures, or other activities at the same
time he or she is scheduled to receive medication? - Is the patient scheduled to receive medication during visiting hours?
- Is the patient required to have a procedure performed, such as insertion of
an IV or feeding tube before medication is administered?
Getting this information may sound overwhelming to the new nurse. However,
a lot of this information has already been obtained when the patient is admitted
or arrived at the office or clinic for care.(^46) CHAPTER 3 Pharmacology and the Nursing Process