Medications: A Case Study

From the patient’s medication list HCTZ, Warfarin and Calcium Acetate are only drugs that causes interaction with other drugs on the list. HCTZ can interact with MiraLax or Vitamin D causing electrolyte imbalance. Warfarin use with omega 3, melatonin or Gingko Biolba can pose risk for bleeding. Finally, Calcium Acetate use with Fosamax can reduce the effect of Fosamax, while use with Vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia. According to medication interaction checker by Medscape, the chance for these interactions are low. However, as these interactions can be lethal, it is important for the patient to monitor oneself regularly. I am actually concerned about the patient’s understanding about her medication regimen. Even though my patient has been taking these same medications for 12 years and did not need any dosage adjustments or display of adverse effects (after couple of trials in the beginning). It appears to me that she does not know all the medication’s name and the uses. I believe further evaluation on patient’s understanding about her medication followed by medication education if necessary. In addition, I will need to help her make a medication list to carry in her wallet. …show more content…
This is essential as some medications can cause serious interactions. It is also important for the nurse to work with laboratory technicians to closely monitor serum medication levels, and to communicate concerns to the physicians and the pharmacists. It is the nurse’s duty to serve as a patient advocate, more especially if the patient lacks the knowledge to decide what pharmacological treatment is best for her. If the nurse fails to work with other members of the interdisciplinary team, the patient’s health might be at