High-risk medications require careful monitoring because they may cause serious harm if misused or poorly monitored.
Anticoagulants
Monitor for bruising, bleeding, black stool, hematuria, fall/head injury, lab orders, drug interactions, and diet changes when applicable.
Insulin
Verify blood glucose, insulin type, dose, timing with meals, hold parameters, hypoglycemia symptoms, and provider notification parameters.
Opioids
Monitor pain relief, sedation, respiratory status, constipation, nausea, confusion, falls, and effectiveness.
Other High-Risk Medications
Monitor residents receiving digoxin, diuretics, antiepileptics, antipsychotics, antibiotics, steroids, cardiac medications, and medications requiring lab monitoring.