Observing and Reporting Effects Flashcards
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Read the first 6 Observing and Reporting Effects flashcards as text
A Medication Aide administers a new blood pressure medication to a resident. Which of the following observations would be considered a desired therapeutic effect?
Answer: The resident's blood pressure reading is within the target range specified in the care plan.
The therapeutic effect is the desired or intended effect of a medication. For a blood pressure medication, the goal is to lower the resident's blood pressure to a safe and effective level as determined by the prescriber and noted in the care plan. The other options describe potential adverse effects or side effects.
Thirty minutes after administering an antibiotic, a resident complains of sudden shortness of breath, develops hives, and their lips begin to swell. What is the Medication Aide's IMMEDIATE priority?
Answer: Immediately alert the supervising nurse and stay with the resident.
The resident is exhibiting signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which is a life-threatening emergency. The Medication Aide's first and most critical action is to alert the supervising nurse for immediate medical intervention while remaining with the resident to provide support and continue observation. Documentation and checking for side effects are important but secondary to ensuring the resident's immediate safety.
When observing a resident for the effects of their medications, which of the following is an example of an objective observation?
Answer: The resident's respiratory rate is 14 breaths per minute.
An objective observation is a factual, measurable piece of information gathered through the senses, such as sight, hearing, or touch. A respiratory rate of 14 breaths per minute is a specific, measurable vital sign. The other options are subjective, as they are based on personal feelings, opinions, or someone else's report.
A resident taking a diuretic (water pill) for fluid retention should be observed for which potential side effect?
Answer: Increased frequency of urination
Diuretics work by helping the kidneys remove excess fluid and salt from the body, which results in increased urine production and more frequent urination. This is an expected effect of the medication. The Medication Aide should observe for this and also monitor for signs of dehydration.
A Medication Aide is responsible for reporting any observed side effects of medication to the supervising nurse. Which of the following BEST describes the reason for this reporting?
Answer: To allow the nurse to assess the resident and determine if a change in the care plan is needed.
The Medication Aide acts as the eyes and ears for the nursing staff. Promptly reporting side effects allows the licensed nurse to use their clinical judgment to assess the resident's condition, evaluate the medication's effectiveness and safety, and communicate with the prescriber if any changes are necessary to the resident's plan of care.
After administering a new medication for anxiety to a resident, you observe that they have become unusually drowsy and confused. This effect is known as a(n):
Answer: Side effect
A side effect is an unintended, often predictable, reaction to a medication that occurs at a normal dose. Drowsiness and confusion are known potential side effects of many anti-anxiety medications. While concerning and requiring reporting, it is not the intended therapeutic effect, nor does it necessarily indicate a systemic allergic reaction.