Tag: Patient care

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a significant public health issue, with some studies estimating they cause over 106,000 deaths in hospitalized patients annually [1.4.2]. Understanding **what the term contraindication means** is a critical step for patients and providers in preventing these harmful events [1.4.2, 1.4.3].

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), understanding medication safety is crucial, and a key part of this involves recognizing what are contraindications and precautions. These terms are used to classify conditions that can make a treatment dangerous, potentially leading to serious harm or reduced effectiveness if not properly considered.

A study found that adverse drug events, which can result from ignoring contraindications, cause over 1 million emergency department visits in the U.S. each year [1.9.1]. So, **what does contraindicated mean in medical terms?** It's a specific situation where a drug, procedure, or surgery should not be used because it may be harmful to the person [1.2.4].

Drug-induced Acute Kidney Injury (DI-AKI) accounts for a significant portion of kidney injuries in hospitalized patients, with some reports suggesting up to 37% of cases. Understanding precisely **what drugs should be avoided in AKI patients** is a critical step in managing the condition and preventing further renal damage.

For individuals on blood thinners, the main risk associated with any physical activity is an increased chance of bleeding from an injury. However, golf is generally considered a safe, low-impact exercise that offers significant cardiovascular benefits, allowing many patients to continue playing after taking appropriate precautions.

Intravenous (IV) ferric carboxymaltose, known as Ferinject, is a highly effective treatment for iron deficiency anemia, with clinical studies showing significant increases in hemoglobin (Hb). This article explores how much Hb increases after ferinject injection, outlining the expected timeline and factors that influence a patient's response.

According to a 2008 Joint Commission alert, anticoagulant therapies like heparin bear a high potential for patient harm if used improperly and are therefore classified as a high-alert medication. While effective in treating and preventing blood clots, its narrow therapeutic range means that even a small dosing error can have devastating and even fatal consequences for a patient. Healthcare facilities employ strict protocols to minimize the risks associated with heparin administration.

Propofol is a versatile sedative-hypnotic agent with a rapid onset (30-90 seconds) and short duration of action, making it a cornerstone for various clinical procedures. Understanding the specific protocol for propofol, tailored to different clinical scenarios, is critical for ensuring patient safety and treatment efficacy.

Propofol is used for approximately 95% of sedation cases for procedures like colonoscopies, but can propofol cause permanent damage under certain conditions, particularly prolonged high-dose infusions? The answer hinges on the dose, duration, and patient-specific factors, with serious complications primarily tied to the rare Propofol Infusion Syndrome (PRIS).

According to prescribing information and clinical trial data, diarrhea is a recognized and sometimes common side effect associated with Procrit (epoetin alfa) treatment. While typically mild, understanding this potential gastrointestinal reaction is important for effective patient care and symptom management.