Adderall: A Case Study

In the world today registered nurses are expected to know about the drugs they administer, their indications, contradictions and adverse effects and correct doses. Any RN can rattle off the correct procedure for safe drug administration. Although, despite this knowledge the incidence of drug errors remain high (Tindale, 2007). A common drug error that occurs is between Amphetamine, which is a CNS stimulant and Propranolol, which is a beta blocker. The drug Amphetamine, or more commonly known as Adderall is a CNS stimulant. It is typically prescribed for patients with narcolepsy or ADHD. It works by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and dopamine, from the brain and sympathetic nervous system. The average dose varies

Side effects are typically worse during initial days of treatment. Required “Black Box” warnings for Adderall include high abuse potential, drug dependence, and increased risk of serious cardiovascular adverse events and sudden death (Moore, 2014). Adverse effects of Adderall also include CNS and cardiac toxicity (Kee, 2012). This drug is contradicted in some patients. Adderall should not be prescribed to patients with known structural heart abnormality, arrhythmia, or hypertension. Inappropriate dosing or taking with alcohol increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects like myocardial infarction even without underlying cardiovascular risk factors (Jiao,

The first way would be to check the 5 rights more than once and very carefully. The right patient determination is essential, and typically two-forms of identification are required. This can include checking the patients identification bracelet, asking the patient to state their name and date of birth, or scanning the barcode on the ID bracelet. The nurse must also confirm any allergies. The nurse must have the knowledge to determine if the drug prescribed is the correct drug, correct dose, correct route, and the correct time. To properly read the medication order the nurse must know all of the components and appropriately question anything that is unclear to them (Kee, 2012). To avoid drug error the drug order should be read three times. The fist check is when you review the MD order. The second check is to review the MD order with the eMar or Mar and the last check is to review the eMar or Mar with the medication. Another way the nurse can avoid medication error is to wear a safety vest that alters others they are not to be disturbed when administering