Health sciences and nursing
Medication Administration Allergy
What would you do?
After realizing that I have given the patient a medication he is allergic to, I would identify symptoms and evidence of an allergic reaction. I would document all the allergic responses and report to the doctor and other members of the healthcare team according to the healthcare facility’s policies and procedures (Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, 2020). Documenting and reporting all the allergic responses is very important because it may enable the doctors and other members of the healthcare team to take appropriate actions to save the life of the patient.
How would you correct the situation?
If the patient shows mild symptoms such as slight swelling, sneezing, skin redness, stuffy, runny nose, and itchy watery eyes, I would give the patient antihistamine such as diphenhydramine by mouth (College of Nurses of Ontario, 2020). If the patient shows severe symptoms such as trouble swallowing or speaking, wheezing or difficulties in breathing, dizziness, or fainting and vomiting, I would use injectable epinephrine such as EpiPen and then call the doctor or other members of the medical team.
How could you have prevented the mistake?
I would have prevented giving the patient the wrong medication by reviewing the medications after noticing that there are changes in the patient’s medications (College of Nurses of Ontario, 2020). I would have also listened to the patient when he stated that he stated that he is not sure of the new pills. It is also essential to review the patients’ charts before giving them any medication because it ensures that patients are given the right medication.
What will you tell the patient?
I would encourage the patient to stay calm after performing the first aid as the condition is under control (Canadian Nurses’ Association, 2013). I will also assure the patient that I will never make a mistake again.
References
Canadian Nurses’ Association. (2013). Registered nurses: stepping up to transform health care. https://www.cnaaiic.ca/~/media/cna/files/en/registered_nurses_stepping_up_to_transf orm_health_care_e.pdf
College of Nurses of Ontario. (2020). Medication. https://www.cno.org/globalassets/docs/prac/41007_medication.pdf
College of Nurses of Ontario. (2020). Scope of Practice, Controlled Acts Model. Scope of Practice, Controlled Acts Model. https://www.cno.org/globalassets/docs/policy/41052_rhpascope.pdf
Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. (2020). Comprehensive Health History. https://bpgmobile.rnao.ca/node/1218