The nurse and patient are participating in cooperative goal setting regarding drug therapy. The nurse is aware that it is imperative to encourage the patient to perform which task(s)? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. Contact the hospital for advice regarding discontinuation of medication.
b. Keep records of essential data needed to evaluate prescribed therapy.
c. See the health care provider regularly.
d. Avoid community-based agencies for assistance.
e. Monitor parameters used to evaluate therapy.

Answer 1

ANS: B, C, E
An attitude of shared input into the goals and outcomes can encourage the patient into a therapeutic alliance. Therefore, the patient should be taught to help monitor the parameters used to evaluate therapy, keep records of essential data, and contact the health care provider for advice rather than alter or discontinue the medication entirely. The health care provider, not the hospital, should be contacted. In the event that the patient, family, or significant others do not understand all aspects of the continuing therapy prescribed, they may be referred to a community-based agency for help in achieving long-term health care requirements.