MLCS nurse consultants have long been aware that the routine medication list included in the medical record can provide clues to chronic and pre-existing medical conditions. Changes in the routine medication list from one date of treatment to the next can be helpful in identifying missing records. For example, a change or addition of a new rheumatoid arthritis medication in-between primary physician and orthopedic visits may be an indication of a treatment with a rheumatologist.
Another concern with evaluating the significance of medications is being aware of the number of medications that may be prescribed for very different conditions. For example, tricyclic anti-depressant amitriptyline may be prescribed for chronic pain or sleep.
Check your knowledge of multiple-use medications:
1. Blood pressure medication Prazosin is also used to treat:
A. Blood clots
B. Restless leg syndrome
C. PTSD
D. Too slow heart rate
2. Zyban used for smoking cessation is the same drug as:
A. Chantix
B. Bupropion
C. Bumex
D. Wellbutrin
E. Bumetanide
3. Neurontin is used for which of the following conditions:
A. Nerve pain
B. Epilepsy
C. Migraine prevention
D. Bipolar disorder
E. Shingles pain
F. Restless leg syndrome
4. One would most likely see Carbidopa/ Levodopa prescribed for:
A. Alzheimer’s disease
B. Traumatic brain injury
C. Parkinson’s disease
D. Side effects of anti-psychotic medication
E. Flu
5. Pregabalin on a routine medication list could suggest which of the following conditions:
A. Diabetic neuropathy
B. Seizure
C. Heart murmur
D. Atrial fibrillation
E. Fibromyalgia