A right medication in one circumstance can become wrong for certain clients or for a client whose condition has changed. One medication may interact with another and cause great harm. A client may suddenly become allergic to a medication and require emergency treatment. Certain medications cause damage to a fetus if taken during pregnancy.
Nurses are with the clients more than any other health professional.
We can observe the actions of medications, make judgments, and respond appropriately to situations as a member of the health care team using our knowledge of pharmacotherapeutics. As with most everything you do in nursing, you use the nursing process to assess, make a nursing diagnosis, plan, intervene, and evaluate the results. First get to know the client's situation . Identify risks and particular concerns for this client taking medications. Then consider the medications ordered for appropriateness and possible interactions.