Vital Signs
What is a normal blood pressure?
Around 120/80 mmHg.
What kind of information is important to know before giving a medication?
Allergies, past illnesses, and other medications.
What is the main job of most medicines?
To help the body get better or control symptoms.
What is a side effect?
A problem or reaction caused by a medicine that wasn’t expected.
What is a drug interaction?
When one medicine changes how another medicine works.
How often should vital signs be checked on a patient receiving IV medications?
At regular intervals as per hospital policy, often every 4-8 hours.
Why is it important to ask about a patient's recent travel history?
To assess exposure to infections or diseases.
What does "PRN" mean in medication orders?
As needed (pro re nata).
What is a common side effect of antihypertensive medications?
Fatigue or weakness.
Why is it important to check what other medicines a patient is taking?
To avoid drug interactions.
What is the term for the highest pressure during a heartbeat?
Systolic blood pressure.
If a patient has a history of heart problems, what should you check before giving a medication?
Heart rate and blood pressure
Why do you need to follow the exact dose of medicine prescribed?
To make sure it works well and avoid side effects.
If a patient feels very sleepy after taking medicine, what should you do?
Let the healthcare provider or instructor know.
If a patient is taking a medicine to lower blood pressure, what can happen if they take another medicine that also lowers blood pressure?
Their blood pressure could get too low.
What vital sign would you assess if a patient reports chest pain?
Heart rate and blood pressure.
What should you ask a patient before giving medicine for the first time?
If they’ve ever had a bad reaction to a medicine (allergy).
What is the most important thing to do before giving a patient medicine?
Check the medication order and patient information.
What side effect might happen if a medicine causes the patient’s blood pressure to go too low?
They might feel faint or dizzy.
What should you do if you are unsure if two medicines can be taken together?
Ask your instructor or healthcare provider.
If the patient’s heart rate is 50 beats per minute, should you give a medicine that slows the heart? Why?
No, because the heart rate is already slow.
What is an important question to ask about a patient’s reproductive health before prescribing certain medications?
If they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
What should you do if you are unsure about a medication dose?
Ask your instructor or the healthcare provider.
If a patient has trouble breathing after taking medicine, what should you do?
Stop the medication and call for help right away.
If a patient is taking medicine for blood thinning (like warfarin), why is it important to know before giving another medicine?
Because other medicines can make the blood too thin and cause bleeding.