Topic 1: Functions and responsibilities of internal team members
Nurses are instrumental in the medication management process. They are responsible for a multitude of tasks including assessing patient needs, planning medication schedules, administering medications, and educating patients about their medication usage and potential side effects.
- Scenario-Based Example: A nurse is caring for a post-operative patient who reports pain. The nurse assesses the patient’s pain level, reviews their medical history and current medications, and administers an appropriate pain reliever while educating the patient on its use and possible side effects.
- Terminology:
- Medication Administration: The act of providing prescribed medication to a patient.
- Patient Assessment: The process of evaluating a patient’s health status.
- Medication Schedule Planning: Developing a timetable for medication administration.
- Side Effect Management: Monitoring and addressing any adverse effects of medications.