Final answer:
Nurses must monitor the dosage, administration, and interactions of OTC drugs, educate patients on risks of addiction and overdose, and participate in ongoing pharmacovigilance to ensure patient safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nurses play a pivotal role in managing the implications associated with the use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. OTC drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, are medications that can be purchased without a prescription and are used to treat a variety of ailments. While these drugs can be beneficial, they also carry potential risks that must be monitored by healthcare professionals.
Nurses need to be aware of the dosage and route of administration of OTC drugs, as well as any interactions these may have with other medications the patient is taking, including prescriptions, other OTC drugs, or even dietary supplements. This is particularly important because many OTC drug ingredients were once prescription drugs, known for their effectiveness at certain dosages and administration routes.
Nurses also need to educate patients about the risks of addiction, abuse, and overdose, especially with drugs that have a narrow therapeutic margin or those that are prone to being misused, such as opioid pain relievers. Pharmacovigilance is essential after a drug has been approved for OTC use, and nurses are often at the forefront of this monitoring process, observing for any adverse drug reactions or changes in a patient's condition that may relate to their OTC drug use.
Continued patient education regarding the proper use and potential side effects of OTC drugs is critical to minimize health risks. This education includes advising patients against self-medicating for prolonged periods without consulting a healthcare provider, as this may mask symptoms of a more serious underlying condition or lead to medication-overuse headaches in the case of analgesics.