Drug Standard & Drug Information Part 2
Drug Standards and Information: Part 2
Overview of Drug Legislation and Standards
- The lecture continues on drug standards and information, emphasizing the importance of note-taking during the presentation.
- Discussion on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates drug development and sales, highlighting prescription vs. non-prescription drugs.
- Explanation of how to legally obtain drugs through prescriptions from licensed providers like physicians or nurse practitioners.
Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter Drugs
- Introduction to off-label uses of FDA-approved drugs for unapproved conditions, stressing that all drugs have potential side effects.
- Approved drug labeling provides essential information about approved uses, risks, and necessary discussions between healthcare providers and patients.
Off-Label Uses of Drugs
- Healthcare providers may prescribe drugs for unapproved uses if deemed medically appropriate; this can occur when no approved treatment exists for a condition.
- Example provided where chemotherapy is used off-label to treat different types of cancer than originally approved.
Generic Drugs
- Definition of generic drugs as chemicals produced by companies focused solely on manufacturing without research or advertising costs affecting quality control.
- Reference to the Generic Drugs Act of 1988 (Republic Act 6675), mandating government agencies use generic names in transactions related to medications.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs
- OTC drugs can be purchased without a prescription; nurses should inquire about OTC usage during patient history assessments.
- Importance of educating patients about avoiding OTC medications while on prescription drugs unless consulting with their healthcare provider first.
Controlled Substances Regulations
- Overview of the Controlled Substances Act requiring scheduling based on therapeutic use and abuse potential; enforced by agencies like the DEA in the U.S.
Drug Schedules and Ethical Considerations in Nursing
Understanding Drug Schedules
- Schedule I Drugs: High risk for addiction with no current legal medical use. Examples include heroin, marijuana, and ecstasy.
- Schedule II Drugs: Restricted legal medical use with a high risk for addiction. Common examples are morphine, codeine, and demerol, often used for pain control in cancer patients or during surgical procedures.
- Schedule III Drugs: Accepted legal medical use with moderate risk for addiction. An example is ketamine and anabolic steroids.
- Schedule IV Drugs: Accepted legal medical use with low risk for addiction. Examples include Ativan, Valium, and Xanax.
- Schedule V Drugs: Limited potential for physical or psychological dependence; includes codeine-based cough medicines.
Record Keeping and Legal Compliance
- Nurses must maintain accurate records of controlled substances administered and report any discrepancies to the appropriate authorities to ensure compliance with regulations regarding narcotics.
- Valid prescriptions from physicians are essential when dealing with controlled substances; hospital policies may vary regarding these prescriptions.
Cultural and Ethical Considerations in Nursing
- Nurses should understand cultural traditions that impact patient care, including beliefs about herbal medicine and definitions of illness based on individual cultural backgrounds.
- All healthcare team members must recognize their own values while being respectful of others' beliefs to provide non-judgmental care.
Principles of Ethical Nursing Practice
- Key ethical principles include:
- Beneficence: The obligation to do good for patients.
- Autonomy: Respecting patients' rights to self-determination.
- Justice: Ensuring fair treatment of all patients.
- Confidentiality: Protecting patient information from unauthorized disclosure.
Professional Responsibilities
- Nurses have a responsibility to provide safe nursing care regardless of the setting or individuals involved. Personal beliefs should not interfere with professional duties.