help question about factors affecting drug administration

[jadavis]

I have to do a speech on how allergies, health history and current health affect drug administration? I am not sure where to find this info. I hope that someone can help a nursing student out.

Thanks,

Jennifer

[jessi1106, BSN, RN]

as you are preparing/doing research..

keep in mind pt safety.

and why pt needs the med.

you will do fine.

[patwil73]

I have to do a speech on how allergies, health history and current health affect drug administration? I am not sure where to find this info. I hope that someone can help a nursing student out.

Thanks,

Jennifer

In most good drug books you will find all this information.

For instance is the patient allergic to sulfa drugs - well the drug book will tell you if the medication is in the sulfa class.

The book will also give you a list of contraindications - or instances not to use the drug and precautions - or instances to be careful of giving the drug. Now take those and look at the health history. For instance dilaudid (extended release) is contraindicated in bronchial asthma.

Finally the drug book will give you adverse affects. If the drug causes hypotension and their current health is they are hypotensive - you might want to think about holding the medication. Of course you have to determine if the primary reason you are giving the drug is more important than the adverse affect it may cause. Lasix can lower the blood pressure, but many doctors will still want it given if the person is suffering from severe CHF.

You can also see how the drug is supplied and determine if their current health allows for that administration. A patient with a severe stroke may not be able to swallow a pill - so medication should be changed to IV or IM.

Hope this helps

Pat