Question

discuss the multiple patient factors that play a role in the effect a drug may have on an individual. How does a physician use these factors to help determine the appropriate dose and route of administration? How can you, as a medical assistant, stress the importance of taking the drug appropriately as prescribed by the physician?

Answer 1

Some of the multiple patient factor that play a role in the effect a drug may hav on an individual are

• The age of the individual (child,elderly population where the absorption rate is different  if not given in the right quantity it may lead to severe adverse reactions
• Drug tolerance vary for ach individual
• Use of otgrrs drugs may interact this drugs effects or can lead to adverse reactions.
• The time taken for consuming or administration of a drug
• Psychological status of an individual greatly depends on the effect of the drug.If angry the metabolism may be strings and rapid
• The environment of the patient plays a vital role. (hospital vs home)
• The type of drug used to treat a disease condition of an individual.
• If the patient is a child ,then the administration as well route forms a great task

The physician can make use of these factors to determine the type of drug necessary (for example if a patient is suffering insomnia,an anti anxiety or mild sedative can be prescribed on daily basis at night orally. Giving this drug in the day time may be of poor benefits due to the environment disturbances.

Medical assistant can stress the importance of taking the drug appropriately in the following ways

• Inform about it action and side effects.This helps patient to adhere to time also (of a patient is prescribed diuretics ,it is recommended to be taken in the morning or before early evening ,if patient consumes in night ,th patient may experience diuresisin the night time and disturbance in sleep.
• Educate on the type of food to be eaten (high oily foods are not recommended if prescribed anti lipids)
• Skipping a dose by chance if done,consume it immediately after remembering. If it is near to next dose then skip the medicine
• In case of overdose report to poison control or contact a healthcare provider immediately.
• Take the recommended dose because it is calculated on the basis of their anthropometric measurement, medical condition, age ,gender and multiple factors.