Question

A nurse is caring for a patient taking over the counter medications for pain and insomnia

Answer 1

Over the counter medications are defined as drugs or medicines sold directly to a consumer without the prescription from a health care professional.Often over the counter medications can lead to overdose causing complications.

When the patient is on over the counter medication for pain.The common drugs used to relieve pain over the counter are Acetaminophen(Tylenol) and NSAIDS like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen.

The side effects of these drugs can be as follows

• Bleeding ulcers
• kidney and Liver damage
• Increased risk of Heart attack / Stroke.

NURSING CARE OF PATIENT TAKING OTC MEDICATIONS FOR PAIN:

a) Assess the general condition of the patient and provide psychological support.

b)Assess for any complications.

c)Check the vital sings , monitor the heart rate, pulse, blood pressure and respiration of the patient

d)Monitor blood values of Blood Urea Nitrogen, Hemoglobin,Bilirubin, Biliverdin, Cardiac enzymes.As these blood valves can alert the complications in the patient.

e) Check the abdominal girth.If internal bleeding.The abdominal girth can increase.

f)Maintain normal blood pressure of the patient

g)Maintain Intake and Output chart.

h)Administer medications as per the physicians support.

i)Monitor Intracranial pressure

j) Clarify any doubts of the patient and provide reassurance the patient.

k)Provide health education regarding the adverse effects and complications of over the counter medications.

When the patient is on over the counter medication for Insomnia :Over the medication for Insomnia(lack of sleep) are Lunesta, Sonata, Ambien, Rozerem and Halcion.

The side effects of these drug includes

• Burning or tingling sensation in the hands, arms, feets or legs
• Change in appetite
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Difficulty keeping balance
• Dizziness
• Daytime drowsiness
• Dry mouth or throat.

NURSING CARE IN TAKING CARE OF OTC MEDICATION OF INSOMNIA

1. Assess the general condition of the patient.
2. Assess the level of side effects in the patient
3. Provide psychological support to the patient
4. Assess vital signs of the patient
5. Assist the patient in carrying out activities of daily living as the patient has difficult to balance
6. Provide safety to the patients, put side rails for the patient
7. Do not leave the patient unattended to prevent fall
8. Maintain intake and output chart.
9. Provide oral care whenever necessary
10. Provide frequent sips of water to prevent drying of mouth and throat
11. Provide medications as per the order.
12. Rassure the patient
13. Educate the patient regarding the illeffects and complicationsof over the counter medications.