time for questions and answers. Avoid rushing. If the information cannot be pre-
sented in one session, plan several sessions. It is always a good idea to give the
patient and family members material that they can take home and review at their
leisure. It is very important that written information be at a reading level that can
be understood by the patient and family.
Demonstrate how the patient or family members are to administer medication.
For example, show the proper injection techniques if the patient requires insulin
injections or the correct use of bronchodilator inhalers for asthma. Don’t assume
that they can administer the medication after seeing you do it. Make sure to have
the patient and family members show you how they plan to give the medication.
This is especially critical when medication is given using a syringe, topical drugs,
and inhalers. The patient and the caregiver must have visual acuity, manual dex-
terity, and the mental capacity to prepare and administer medication.
Prompt the patient and family members to give you feedback from your les-
son and demonstration by asking:
- What things help you take your medicine?
- What things prevent you from taking your medication?
- What would you do if you forget to take your medication?
- What would you feel if you are taking too much of the medication?
- What could you feel that are side effects of taking the medication?
- Is there anything you can do to reduce side effects of the medication?
It is very important that the patient and family members be informed about
the signs and symptoms of an allergic response to the medication such as
urticaria (hives), swollen lips, hoarse voice, difficulty breathing, and shortness
of breath—an indication of life threatening anaphylaxis.
In addition to the signs and symptoms of an allergic response, you must also
discuss side effects and toxic effects of the medication and any dietary consid-
erations the patient must follow while on the medication.
Some patients require several medications. Therefore, the nurse needs to de-
velop a medication plan to help the patient manage the medication schedule.
Common techniques include:
- A multicompartment dispenser to hold a daily or weekly supply of med-
ication - A timer to remind the patient when to take medication
- Color-coded envelopes where each color represents an hour or a day
- A written record when medication should be administered and when it
was administered
CHAPTER 3 Pharmacology and the Nursing Process^51