Be Prepared: Advice Regarding Prescription Medicines from a Registered Nurse

By Lisa Drabicki, RN,
MBA Candidate, The University of Arizona, May 2002

A trip to the emergency room for the average person is an unexpected as well as unwelcomed experience. While preserving one's health is considered a top priority by most people, many people do not think about those unexpected situations in which their health may be compromised resulting in a trip to the emergency room and how they can be better prepared should this occur. During an emergency room visit, there is more involved than waiting while nurses and physicians do their best to treat your condition. YOU as the patient have a very important job. Your emergency room healthcare providers will rely on you to provide them with important information regarding your health that will contribute to the outcome of the healthcare you are provided.

In all my interactions with patients as a Registered Nurse, from the fast-paced environment of the emergency room to a world-renowned health resort, I have always been amazed when patients were unable to recall the names of the medicines they were currently taking or vaguely if at all understood the purpose of their medicines. I have witnessed handfuls of patients experience side effects such as mild upset stomach or mild diarrhea that could have been self-managed or possibly avoided had they taken the time to learn how to properly take their medicines and how to respond in the event they experienced any unwanted reactions.

In order to get the most benefit from your medicines, you need to be prepared and understand the many personal responsibilities associated with taking prescription medicines. In fact, one of the initial requests when you arrive and are evaluated by the triage nurse in an emergency room is to provide a list of the medicines you are taking. You will also be expected to provide information regarding your present and past medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, etc. It is up to you to be able to provide this information that plays a very important role in the outcome of your care.

It is very easy to forget the names of medicines especially those that are difficult to pronounce or in some cases may sound similar to another medicine. To avoid any misunderstandings with your medicines that could have serious consequences, you should always carry a list of your medical information in your wallet so you will have this information in easy reach for an unexpected medical emergency. When making a list of medicines, make sure you correctly spell the medicine name as printed on the actual prescription, the dosage, and number of times you take each of your medicines every day. It is also important to mention any non-prescription or herbal remedies you are taking and medicines to which you have had an allergic reaction such as a rash or hives. You need to know this information so if the doctor prescribes you a medicine while you are in the emergency room they are aware of any potential interactions that could occur. This is also important so the doctor does not prescribe you a medicine to which you have had an allergic reaction.

Here is a sample list of medical information that you should always carry with you:

Name of Medicines (prescription, over the counter, and herbal supplements)
Medicine Dosages
Date Medicines Started
Allergies
Name and Contact Information of Primary Care Physician
Health Care Insurance Provider
Medical History (current and past medical conditions, surgeries, etc.)

Beyond being prepared with a list of your medicines, you should have a clear understanding of the reason you are taking your medicines. You should know how to take your medicines and be well informed with ways to respond to any unwanted reactions or side effects you may experience.

Here is a sample quiz of some basic questions to test your knowledge of your medicines based on the Food and Drug Administration's recommendations:

Make sure you know the answers to these and all other questions you have for your medicines. It is a good idea to carry a list of questions so you can double check that you have covered all of your questions before you leave the emergency room or doctor's office and pick up your medicines from your pharmacist. For a more complete list of questions about your medicines visit the Food and Drug Administration's website at http://www.fda.gov/opacom/catalog/medtips.html.

By having a strong understanding of your medicines, you will be prepared to provide your healthcare providers accurate and more detailed information concerning your health. This will also encourage early awareness of any complications with your medicines to help promote a greater level of health safety and medicine compliance.

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