Download MEDICATION ADVERSE REACTION

MEDICATION ADVERSE REACTION
POLICY
All adverse reactions due to medications will be reported to the patient’s physician and
to the pharmacy distributing the medication in order to perform safe and effective patient
care. An Incident Report will be completed. Adverse reactions include but are not limited
to:
 Pruritus
 Fever
 Joint pain/swelling
 Dyspnea
 Local irritation
 Nerve, tissue, vascular damage
 Toxic reactions
 Anaphylaxix
 Alteration in body functions (nausea, constipation, urinary retention, blurred
vision, etc.)
PURPOSE
To define adverse reactions, to provide a means for safe delivery of medications and to
provide for prompt improvements or reductions in the likelihood of adverse reactions in
the future.
PROCEDURE
1. Adverse reactions can occur at anytime. An allergic reaction may be delayed for
several days or even weeks after the drug has been administered.
a. Be aware of common adverse reactions for each medication the patient is
taking.
b. Teach the patient and/or caregiver adverse reactions to be reported to the
nurse or physician.
c. In the event of an adverse reaction instruct the patient to “hold” the
medication until further orders are received.
d. Report the reaction to the patient’s physician and obtain further orders.
e. Inform the pharmacy providing the medication of the adverse reaction.
f. Instruct the patient and/or caregiver to include name of medication and
type of reaction in their health records. If the patient has a severe reaction,
Formulated 06/96
the patient should carry this information in his/her wallet or wear a MedicAlert bracelet.
2. If an adverse reaction occurs while administering IV medication through Heplock:
a. Stop the infusion immediately.
b. Contact the physician.
3. If an adverse reaction occurs while administering IV medication piggyback or
push via an IV port on a primary IV:
a. Stop the infusion immediately.
b. Keep vein open with primary fluid using new tubing.
4. In the event of anaphylaxis begin CPR.
5. A summary of adverse reactions will be reviewed periodically by the QI
department.
Formulated 06/96