Adverse drug reaction

Definition

An adverse drug reaction (ADR) is an unintended, harmful response to a medication administered at normal doses. ADRs can range from mild side effects to severe or life-threatening conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ADRs are a significant cause of patient morbidity and mortality in clinical settings.
2. Nurses play a crucial role in monitoring for ADRs and reporting them promptly.
3. Ethical considerations require healthcare professionals to disclose ADRs to patients and their families.
4. Legal implications of ADRs include potential lawsuits for malpractice if not properly managed or reported.
5. Preventing ADRs involves thorough patient assessment, accurate medication administration, and ongoing education on drug interactions.

Review Questions

• What is the definition of an adverse drug reaction?
• Why is it important for nurses to monitor and report ADRs?
• How do ethical considerations influence the handling of adverse drug reactions?

Related terms

Side Effect: A secondary, typically undesirable effect of a drug or medical treatment.

Drug Interaction: A situation in which one drug affects the activity of another when both are administered together.

Medication Error: Any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or harm to a patient.