Question

PN 200 Fundamentals of Nursing II Medication Error Prevention - OTC's Name: Date: Jerr Voss, a 29-year-old graduate student is at the student health center for a phy examination required before going on research trip out of the country. Upon completion paperwork, he asks the nurse "The form is asking if I take prescription medications prescription medications but I take herbal products and over the counter drugs. Do you ne know about these? 1. How would you as the nurse answer the patient (Do not list a simple yes-state you rationale) Jeff has listed the following on the form: 1 baby aspirin each day to prevent blood clots "Sleep Well" herbal product at night with valerian if needed for sleep Benadryl, primarily at night, allergies "Stress Away" herbal product with ginseng as needed Ibuprofen 3-4 tablets three times a day for muscle aches because "I work out". "Memory Boost" herbal product with gingko every morning to help with my studies Jeff tells you that he has multiple bruises on his arms and knees and asks why he seems to bruise so easily. 2. Examine the products on Jeff's list and state if you have any concems with interactions and/or adverse effects of this combination of herbal products 3. What do you think has happened? As you question Jeff, he remembers that he had a problem with acid stomach last year and also takes Prilosec OTC as needed. 4. What concerns do you have about this, if any? Reviewed 9/18

Answer 1

1.The nurse should respond in the way ,that the patient understands the importance of being transparent when disclosing their history.

Mr.Jeff any medications or substitutes which are taken to treat any illness or fir wellness should be informed to the concerned healthcare professionals because herbal and OTC medication can interact with the current treatment.The exact cause of any preceeding illness can be ruled out.

2.The ginseng and gingko can interact with medication like aspirin.

Ibuprofen interact with the aspirin so it has to be taken after consultation and prescription by a medical provider otherwise this can lead to ulceration in the gastrointestinal tract and bleeding.Valerian can interact with sleep pattern and can lead to excessive drowsiness when taken along Benadryl.

3.The anteplatelet effect of aspirin can lead to bruises .Ibuprofen along with this increases the erosion of the gastric layers causing ulcers.

4.The ginko can reduce the effect of this drug.This can increase the chance of heart attack and severe adverse reaction if taken along Prilosec.The side effects like electrolyte imbalances ,ulcer,gastrointestinal disturbances, pain,respiratory problems are concerned here.