International Journal of Nursing

Drug Therapy Scheduling by Nurses and Resulting Potential Drug Interactions in the Hospital Care Of Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study
Tainá Bastos dos Santos, R.N.; Juliana Almeida de Oliveira, R.N.;Luanny Cardoso Souza, R.N.; Helena Ferraz Gomes, M,Sc.; Dayana Carvalho Leite, R.N.; Eugenio Fuentes Pérez Júnior, M,Sc; Ariane da Silva Pires, M.Sc.; Priscila Cristina da Silva Thiengo de AndradeM.Sc.; Gabriela Porto Salles de Assis, R,N.; Juliana Cristina Rodrigues R,N.; Renata Pereira Ribeiro Soares, R,N.; Alessandra Sant`Anna Nunes, Ph.D.; Bruna Maiara Ferreira Barreto Pires, Ph.D.; Ellen Marcia Peres, Ph.D

Abstract
Background: One of the nursing activities in the hospital is the scheduling that requires a nursing specific knowledge of pharmacology to avoid potential drug interactions (PDIs). Objective: To analyze the characteristics of the medication schedule established by nurses and to identify PDIs. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study developed in a specialized adolescent health unit at a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The sample consisted of 79 prescriptions based on a sample size calculated for a power of 0.8. Odds ratios were calculated, and a significance level of 5% was considered. The drug pairs that were scheduled at the same time were tested using the Micromedex software and analyzed using the statistical software R. Results: Among the prescriptions, those containing more than 5 drugs had two times the odds (OR: 2.5) of being associated with PDIs. Phenytoin was involved in 4 events. Suggested nursing care actions for PDIs include observing signs and symptoms, monitoring the therapeutic response and possible adverse reactions, and intervening according to the specific complications. Conclusion: It study highlighted aspects related to medication scheduling which is a routine nursing activity, and when it is done correctly can avoid PDIs and Drug Interactions promoting safety patient.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijn.v6n2a3