06 Adverse Reactions and Medication Emergencies Free Online FlashCards

What is a medication side effect?

A side effect is an unwanted effect that may be predictable from a medicine’s action; it is not necessarily an allergy.

Which medication-reaction signs require emergency action?

Trouble breathing, tongue or throat swelling, collapse, seizure, inability to wake, or rapidly worsening symptoms require emergency action.

What is the first-line treatment for suspected anaphylaxis?

Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for suspected anaphylaxis. Do not delay it while waiting for an antihistamine to work.

What should happen before another dose of a suspected causative medicine?

Do not give another dose of a suspected causative medicine until a qualified clinician has reviewed the situation and provided instructions.

What key details belong in a medication-reaction record?

Record the medicine name, strength, dose, route, administration time, symptom onset and progression, assessment findings, actions, notifications, treatment response, and outcome or follow-up plan.

What distinguishes a drug allergy from nausea alone?

A drug allergy is an immune-mediated reaction. Nausea alone is generally not evidence of an allergy.

What is an adverse event?

An adverse event is an unwanted medical occurrence during or after medicine use; whether the medicine caused it may be uncertain.

What causes medication toxicity?

Toxicity is harm from excessive drug exposure or accumulation, which may follow overdose, a dosing error, an interaction, or impaired clearance.

What should you do first when assessing a possible reaction?

Stay with the person, assess responsiveness and airway, breathing, and circulation, and obtain vital signs if trained and able.

Who can advise about a possible overdose in the United States?

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 in the United States. Call 911 for collapse, seizure, difficulty breathing, or inability to wake.

What should you avoid doing after a possible poisoning?

Do not induce vomiting or give a home remedy unless a poison specialist or clinician directs you to do so.

Should a medication near miss be reported internally?

Report medication errors and near misses internally according to workplace policy, whether or not harm occurred.