Responses to drugs

The expected outcomes of the patient depend on the reason for administration of penicillin but may include an optimal response to drug therapy, management of common adverse reactions, and an understanding of and compliance with the prescribed drug regimen. 

Promoting an Optimal Response to Therapy Monitoring each patient for response to drug therapy and for the appearance of adverse reactions is an integral part of promoting an optimal response to therapy. The nurse immediately reports serious adverse reactions, such as signs and symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction or superinfection, respiratory difficulty, or a marked drop in blood pressure... 

Before giving a nonnarcotic analgesic to a patient, the nurse assesses the type, onset, and location of the pain. It is important to determine if this problem is different in any way from previous episodes of pain or discomfort. If the patient is receiving a nonnarcotic analgesic for an arthritic or musculoskeletal disorder or soft tissue inflammation, the nurse should examine the joints or areas involved. The appearance of the skin over the joint or affected area or any limitation of motion is documented. The nurse evaluates the patient s ability to carry out activities of daily living. This important information is used to develop a care plan, as well as to evaluate the response to drug therapy. 

Discuss ways to promote an optimal response to drug therapy, how to manage common adverse drug reactions, and important points to keep in mind when educating patients about the use of central nervous system stimulants. 

The expected outcomes for Hie patient may include an opfimal response to drug Hierapy, management of common adverse drug reactions, absence of injury, and an understanding of and compliance wiHi Hie prescribed Hierapeufic regimen. 

The patient s response to drug therapy on an inpatient basis requires around-the-clock assessments because frequent dosage adjustments may be necessary during therapy. 

Each time the blood pressure is obtained, the nurse uses the same arm and the patient is placed in die same position (eg, standing, sitting, or lying down). In some instances, die primary care provider may order die blood pressure taken in one or more positions, such as standing and lying down. The nurse monitors the blood pressure and pulse every 1 to 4 hours if the patient has severe hypertension, does not have the expected response to drug therapy, or is critically ill. 

The nurse takes vital signs every 4 to 8 hours, depending on the patient s condition. The nurse evaluates the patient s response to drug therapy based on original assessments. Responses that may be seen include a decrease in pain, an increase in appetite, and a feeling of well-being. 

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