Building a Patient Education Tool on the Use of Antacids (Essay Sample)

Building a Patient Education Tool on the Use of Antacids
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(Date)
1 Patient Education Tool On Antacids Used in Treating Gastric Acidity
Antacids are the most commonly used drugs used in treating gastric acidity. They relieve patients’ off their complications by neutralizing stomach acids. It is important to note that they are different from H2-receptors and proton pump inhibitors which are categorized under the acid reducers’ class. Antacids can be in different forms including liquids and tablets. They treat superfluous stomach acid such as indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux. Some of the popular antacids are tums, rolaids and Mylanta. This patient education tool will look into the insights of the following concerns about antacid drugs.
* Appropriate use: antacids are used to treat stomach acidity once in a while. Otherwise, if the condition persists, one is advised to seek medical advice as it could be a severe condition such as ulcers. One should take the medications an hour after eating or in the occurrence of heartburn. One should not take them with food at night for mere symptoms.
One should also follow all directions as prescribed by the doctor or pharmacist. In case of any misapprehensions, one should for that reason seek medical advice. If one is taking the chewable tablets, drink a glass of water afterwards. In the case of a liquid antacid, shake well before taking a dose. Also remember to observer personal hygiene such as washing of hands before and after coming into contact with the drugs. Drugs prescribed by the doctor are however best ideal.
* Factors affecting the efficacy of antacids: certain patient characteristics have been established as factors affecting how antacids aggravate desired effects and outcomes in patients. These characteristics include age, sex and the patients’ existing health issues.
Antacids should not be administered to young children unless under doctors’ instructions. This is due to their side effects which are harmful to young children. A patient should also be aware of his or her allergies to medicines in the antacids’ class. Elderly persons should also keep off aluminum containing antacids as they worsen their bone related complications. Breastfeeding moms should as well keep off these medications as the drugs may be passed into the breast milk.
* Side effects: if one is continuously taking antacids with no signs of improvement, he or she should consult a doctor. Before taking antacid medications, one should consider whether he or she has kidney problems, is on thyroid medication or is on a diet of low sodium intake. This is of importance as interference of the drugs is prevented.
Common side effects include bloating, swelling of arms and feet, constipation caused by calcium and diarrhea caused by aluminum in some patients.
* Correct storage and handling: antacids should be stored in tightly closed containers in safes that are away from children’s reach. These should also be cool and dry places. After administration, they should be properly disposed such that pets and children cannot ingest them. The best way to dispose them is to take them back to the chemist for proper disposal. One should also not share his or her medication.
2 How does this patient education tool promote patient safety and best patient outcomes?
This patient education tool was intended for patients with gastric acidity faced by the challenges of heartburns and indigestion. It involves and educates them on important information concerning the medications. In this way, they will never forget as it has been very inclusive. Its all-encompassing feature has enabled it to promote patient safety as well as patients’ best outcomes. Patient safety involves the prevention of injury and harm on patients when administering medications CITATION Goc17 \l 1033 (Gocmen, 2017). Best patient outcomes are the desired effects on a patient from the medications they are taking.
This patient education tool promotes patient safety due to the fact that it has outlined the side effects and negative reactions a patient may have after consuming the drugs. These side effects include diarrhea, constipation, bloating and swelling of the limbs. The side effects can be attributed to the ingredients used in creating the drugs such as aluminum and sodium CITATION Tar \l 1033 (Rustagi, 2016). It has also warned the elderly, breastfeeding moms and small children of the implications the drugs may have on them. Other ways it has promoted patient safety is through its correct storage, handling and appropriate use segments. All these have helped in preventing medical errors, harm and injury on patients.
On the other hand, best patient outcomes have been promoted in the sense that the nursing professional standards of practice have been endorsed. The tool advocates for doctor prescribed drugs which in most times are the best as compared to over the counter drugs. It also warns against the sharing of drugs and encourages patients to be aware of their possible allergic reactions to the medications before administration. In this way, patients can consume the medications without any limitations. Best patient outcomes have also been promoted through the inclusion of the side effects and correct handling sections. Proper storage and handling ensures that drugs are not tampered with or contaminated as it may lead to severe consequences CITATION Ren13 \l 1033 (Renzaho, 2013). All these promote the best patient outcomes.
3 How does this patient education tool adhere to the principles and practices of cultural competence?
According to Renz...