HNN215 Quality Use of Medicines

The most common treatment used in healthcare is the administration of medication. Medicines contribute to significant improvements in health when used appropriately. Unfortunately, medication administration can also be linked to an increase in adverse events potentially causing harm to patients whilst increasing healthcare costs. As nurses are primarily involved in the administration of medications across settings it is their duty to the patient to know the actions and indications of all medications they administer, including dosage ranges, adverse reactions and the implications for the patient.

Mr Michael Jedda, an 84 year old male was admitted to Deakin Hospital yesterday on 14th April, 2020 at 1pm with some mild shortness of breath on exertion. On admission, Mr Jedda’s respiratory rate was 26bpm, oxygen saturation was 91% on room air, pulse rate was 101 bpm (regular) and BP was 100/60 mmHg. Mr Jedda reported that the continuous coughing has left him with a sore chest and feeling tired.

Mr Jedda has a past history of hypertension (HT), congestive cardiac failure (CCF) and atrial fibrillation (AF). The emergency room physician has diagnosed Mr Jedda with community acquired pneumonia. The physician also noted that Mr Jedda’s blood results indicated some moderate renal impairment related to the chest infection. Mr Jedda has been commenced on medications for his chest infection.

It is now the 15th April at 0730 hours.

Mr Jedda had vital signs taken one hour ago:

HR:     94 bpm (regular)

BP:     105/62 mmHg

RR:     19 breaths per minute

SpO2: 97% on 2L oxygen via nasal prongs

Temp: 37.9 tympanic

Mr Jedda has been informed he will be transferred to your ward once the paperwork is finalised.

1. Assess Mr Jedda’s medication chart. With consideration to the case scenario, identify and explain two (2) significant risks that may be associated with the use of these medicines.

2. Describe the strategies a nurse may implement to prevent/manage the risksidentified in Question 1.