Recording-2025-04-01T23:30:03.437Z

Introduction to Patient Medication

• Medical assistants play a significant role in managing patient medications, including prescriptions and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

• Abbreviations:

  • OTC = Over The Counter

  • RX = Prescription

Documentation of Medications

• Important to document all medications a patient is taking during intake:

  • New Patients: Compile a medication list

  • Established Patients: Update the medication list at every visit (include new medications, discontinued medications, dosage changes)

• Elderly patients often see multiple specialists, requiring careful documentation of any changes made by different doctors.

Substance Use Inquiry

• Inquire about alcohol and drug use as it affects medication efficacy:

  • Example: Antihypertensive medications + heavy alcohol consumption can lower blood pressure dangerously.

  • Critical thinking is essential; understand drug interactions.

Prescription Renewal Assistance

• Responsible for renewing patient prescriptions:

  • Example: Contact pharmacy for authorization for more refills.

  • Transcribing prescriptions for provider signatures to save time.

Pharmacology Overview

• Pharmacology: The study of drugs, with various branches such as:

  • Pharmacognosy: Study of drugs from natural sources.

  • Pharmacodynamics: How drugs work and their effects.

  • Pharmacokinetics: Movement of drugs in the body (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion).

  • Pharmacotherapeutics: Use of drugs in treating diseases.

  • Toxicology: Study of harmful effects of drugs.

DEA and Drug Prescription

• DEA: Drug Enforcement Administration oversees drug laws and public safety.

• Differentiate between terms: Prescribing (ordering medication), administering (delivering medication), dispensing (providing a labeled drug container).

Drug Absorption Process

• Absorption: Movement of a drug into the bloodstream. Factors influencing this include interactions with food and route of administration.

• Distribution: The drug's movement to where it is needed in the body.

• Metabolism: Breaking down drugs primarily in the liver; affected by age, genetics, and interactions.

• Excretion: How the body eliminates drugs, typically through urine.

Pharmacotherapy Details

• Drug indications refer to the reason for using a drug (e.g., hypertension treated with antihypertensives).

• FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approves drug indications and regulates distribution.

• Side Effects vs. Adverse Effects:

  • Side effects: Mild and often expected.

  • Adverse effects: More serious and less common.

• Efficacy: Effectiveness of a drug, which can vary per patient; dosage adjustments may be needed.

Drug Scheduling and Controlled Substances

• Controlled substances are categorized into schedules based on potential for abuse:

  • Schedule I: No accepted medical use (e.g., heroin).

  • Schedule II: High abuse potential but accepted uses (e.g., morphine).

  • Schedule III, IV, V: Lesser potential for abuse, fewer restrictions.

• Strict record-keeping and storage regulations for controlled substances.

Prescribing Medications

• Non-over-the-counter drugs require prescriptions, which include essential components:

  • Prescriber information, patient information, medication details, instructions for the pharmacist (subscription), patient administration instructions (SIG), and provider signature.

• Electronic prescribing is preferred for security and efficiency.

Alternative Pain Management Options

• Alternative therapies include acupuncture, hypnosis, chiropractic treatments, and exercise.

Vaccines and their Function

• Vaccines trigger an immune response by introducing antigens, which help the body produce antibodies.

• The CDC provides updated immunization schedules for children.