Patient Discharge Medications: What to Document

What medications should be documented upon patient discharge? Final answer:Upon patient discharge, the medications to be documented are a statin, either an ACE inhibitor or an ARB, and aspirin. IV morphine is not included as it is used for inpatient severe pain relief and not suitable for post-discharge.

Understanding Patient Discharge Medications

Upon patient discharge, it is crucial to ensure that the patient's medication regimen is properly documented to facilitate continuity of care and successful management of their health conditions. In the case of the medications to be documented upon patient discharge, there are specific guidelines and considerations to keep in mind.

First and foremost, it is essential to note that certain medications are typically prescribed to patients upon discharge to support their ongoing treatment and recovery. Among these medications are a statin, an ACE inhibitor or an ARB, and aspirin. These drugs play vital roles in managing various health conditions and reducing the risk of complications.

Statin: A statin is a type of medication commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. By reducing cholesterol, statins help decrease the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to include a statin in the list of medications documented upon patient discharge.

ACE Inhibitor or ARB: In addition to a statin, either an ACE inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocking agent (ARB) should be documented upon patient discharge. These medications are frequently prescribed to manage conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, and kidney disease. They work by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow, thereby helping to control blood pressure and reduce strain on the heart.

Aspirin: Aspirin is another medication that is commonly included in the list of medications documented upon patient discharge. Aspirin is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to reduce the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. It is often recommended for individuals at risk of cardiovascular events.

It is important to note that IV morphine, while commonly used for inpatient severe pain relief, is not typically included in the list of medications documented upon patient discharge. IV morphine is intended for short-term use in a hospital setting and is not suitable for long-term management after discharge.

Therefore, the correct medications to be documented upon patient discharge are a statin, either an ACE inhibitor or an ARB, and aspirin. These medications are essential for managing conditions such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, and heart failure and play a crucial role in supporting the patient's overall health and well-being post-discharge.

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