Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Heroin is a medication in Schedule I and has no medical use in the United States. Medications
categorized in Schedules II through V have approved applications. Each level has decreasing risk
of abuse and dependence. For example, morphine sulfate (Duramorph) is a Schedule II medication
that has a greater risk of abuse and dependence than phenobarbital (Luminal), which is a Schedule
IV medication.
Medication Reconciliation
The Joint Commission requires policies and procedures for medication reconciliation. The nurse
should compile a list of current medications ensuring that all medications are included, with
correct dosages and frequency. This list should be compared with new prescriptions and reconciled
to resolve any discrepancies. This list becomes the current list from which medications should be
administered. This process should take place on admission, when transferring between units or
facilities, and at discharge.
Dosage changes are usually made gradually. Question the provider if abrupt and excessive
changes in dosages are made.
Evaluate client response to a medication, and document and report appropriately.
Recognize side/adverse effects, and document and report appropriately.
Report all errors, and implement corrective measures immediately.
Complete an unusual occurrence report within the specified time frame, usually 24 hr. This
report should include:
XX The clients identification
XX The name and dose of the medication
XX The time and place of the incident
XX An accurate and objective account of the event
XX Who was notified
XX What actions were taken
XX The signature of the person completing the report
This report does not become a part of the clients
Depending on therapeutic intent, effectiveness may be evidenced by
Decrease in pulmonary or peripheral edema
Weight loss
Decrease in blood pressure
Increase in urine output