Can anyone tell me what chemical impairment is?pls. thx

SandraCVRN · Oct 28, 2009

Impairment-not working or thinking in a normal manner

chemical-any medication (legal or otherwise), alcohol, etc

ie, chemical restraint-sedating a pt just to keep them from pulling out their IV

Zookeeper3 · Oct 28, 2009

I may be way off base, but we usually refer this as personally medicated with perscription drugs in excess. Your question is a touch vague and the answer may change in the medical lingo across the country.

netbenben · Oct 28, 2009

thank you guys

CMille14 · Oct 28, 2009

I've seen the term chemical impairment used to describe the current condition of a person (ex. "he appears to be chemically impaired due to the slurred speech and stilted gait) to addiction (ex. "We work with the chemically impaired student on a rehabilitative rather than punitive basis.)

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Oct 28, 2009

there is probably a legal description too, but my interpretation is the use of any chemical that may impede function (mental or physical). So that would include over the counter meds (Benadryl puts me down) and prescriptive meds and street drugs. Depends on what that chemical does to the individual.

I warn students about OTC, prescriptive meds because impaired judgement is not a laughing matter, regardless of how innocent the drug sounds. Know your limits.