10 Medication Safety Across Patient Groups Free Online FlashCards

What can determine a child’s medication dose?

A child’s dose may depend on weight, age, the specific medicine, and its concentration; use the prescribed or labeled dose rather than estimating from an adult dose.

How should liquid medicine be measured for a child?

Check the active ingredient and concentration, then measure the prescribed amount in milliliters with an oral syringe or recommended dosing device—not a kitchen spoon.

Why check the ingredients in combination cold or pain products?

Check combination products for duplicate active ingredients. Two cold or pain medicines, for example, may both contain acetaminophen.

What should you do if a child may have taken an unknown medicine?

Contact emergency services or poison control promptly if a child may have taken too much medicine or an unknown medicine.

What should be included in an older adult’s medication reconciliation?

Regularly reconcile the complete list, including prescriptions, over-the-counter products, supplements, and occasional-use medicines.

How can medication effects increase fall risk in older adults?

Dizziness, sleepiness, confusion, or low blood pressure can impair daily activities and increase the risk of falls.

What factors shape medication decisions during pregnancy?

The decision balances the medicine’s risks against the risks of untreated illness; risk can depend on the medicine, dose, duration, and timing in pregnancy.

How do current prescription labels present pregnancy information?

Current prescription labels use narrative pregnancy information, such as risk summaries, clinical considerations, and available data, rather than the former letter categories.

What should be considered when using medicine while breastfeeding?

Check lactation information and consider possible effects on the infant and milk production; get individualized advice before changing an essential medicine or breastfeeding.

Why can impaired kidney function increase medication harm?

Reduced kidney function can cause some medicines or their metabolites to build up, increasing the risk of adverse effects.

What forms can a kidney-related dose adjustment take?

Depending on the medicine and patient, adjustment may involve a smaller dose, a longer interval, or both. Not every medicine needs adjustment.

When can NSAIDs pose particular kidney risks?

NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen can harm the kidneys, particularly with prolonged use or during dehydration; people with kidney disease should seek professional advice before using them.