Medication Reconciliation E-Portfolio Reflection

While doing this reconciliation project I learned just how easily safety concerns can be overlooked. As a nurse, it is my responsibility to ensure all medications the patient is taking are the right dose and drug. An error in the six rights of medication administration could easily be fatal to a patient. This is especially true if a patient is receiving medication from multiple providers and is picking them up at multiple pharmacies. As the nurse, obtaining a list of all current medications, including supplements and over the counter medication, is the best way to prevent any drug-to-drug interactions. In my patient, I noticed safety concerns in the combination of Red Yeast Rice and Aspirin. Hepatotoxicity can occur with both Red Yeast Rice and Aspirin, so when taken together the risk increases. Aspirin was also a concern to me regarding this patient, since the patient had never experienced an MI or CVA. This patient thought they were taking Aspirin because of a family history of heart disease, but now would like to speak with their provider again at their yearly appointment so they can better understand the use of this medication. 

Aside from aspirin, the patient seemed to have a thorough understanding of the reasoning behind taking their medications. The patient also seemed to be a good self-advocate and seemed very aware of their medical conditions and how they were being treated. Since this patient includes supplements in their medication regimen, I also educated them to notify their provider if they add any supplements. Over the counter supplements can have drug-to-drug interactions just as easily as prescription medications. 

The final concern I addressed with my patient was regarding their hypertension. This patient takes prescription medications to manage hypertension so I made sure I informed them that they should always examine new medications for risks of reduced blood pressure, so they don’t experience hypotension. Hypotension can pose many concerning safety risks such as fainting or injury due to a fall. After doing this medication reconciliation, I feel that both myself and the patient benefited and acquired new knowledge about adverse effects and drug-to-drug interactions that may be potentially harmful. Now I know I will feel more comfortable in the future when doing a medication reconciliation.