Nurses: How we can help

As a nurse, one of the most important things we can do for our patient is communicate, teach and assess. We should teach our patients the dangers and risks that over the counter medications posses. We can never assume if a person knows the dangers or has read the directions for taking it. Many Americans use over the counter medications while some use the medication correctly, others abuse the drug to overdose or for recreational purposes. Some people innocently commit the mistake because they do not know they are doing anything wrong. Using critical thinking skills, we should question our patients if suspect overdose, and teach the right way to use the medication.
For patients who take multiple medications, we could advise them to invest in a tracker, medication log or medication separator. This will allow patients to see all the prescription and over the counter medications they’re taking and hopefully prevent overdoes. Preventing the misuse of medications is a team effort. It’s up to the pharmacist, doctor, nurse and patient to know what drugs are being taken and possible drug interactions that could occur and the correct way to use them. Most importantly the consumers are responsible for their well being and are a huge part in preventing overdose and abuse.