Monday, August 25, 2008
Clinical Experience - PO Medications
Giving my first PO medication was more nerve racking than giving my first subQ injection. My patient was at risk for aspiration which made me nervous. I had to make sure which medications could and could not be crushed. I double and tripled check the medications in fear of making a med error. As I crushed each pill that could be crushed in the pill crusher, I was nervous because I wanted to get every little crumb so that the patient could get the exact dose prescribed. Let me tell you getting out all the crushed powder is not as easy as it looks. Not only was my patient at risk for aspiration, but she was on continous oxygen therapy with a ventimask and I had to make sure her oxygen saturation maintained above 92%. As she swallowed each pill, I had butterflies in my stomach hoping that each one would make it down to her stomach. I will never forget my first PO medication administration.
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2 comments:
I know what you mean Liz. My first PO administration was nerve wrecking as well. My pt was fatigued and she was luckily willing to get up and take her meds when I disturbed her from her sleep. Overall, I think a lot of us are going to feel a little worried and of course nervewrecking. I'm sure you will do fine, just take it one day at a time. See you in class.
-Roxanne Dizon
Touro University Nursing Student
I just want to write a little about my clinical today. I had a patient who was closer to death than anyone I have ever seen. It was a very new experience for me, but I know I will have to deal with that. The man was non responsive, had jaundice, and his liver and scrotum were very swollen. Aside from being hours away from dying, I learned a lot from him. It was the first time I saw edema, and a firm, round belly. I was able to hook my hand under his liver and move it upwards. I saw things on this man that were text-book picture perfect and I will never forget it! Today was a good day...
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