Pharmaceutical interventions in medications prescribed for administration via enteral tubes in a teaching hospital.

Objective: to analyze the impact of guidelines regarding errors in medications prescribed for administration through enteral tubes.

Method: quantitative study, in three phases, undertaken in internal medicine, neurology and an intensive care unit in a general teaching hospital. In Phase 1, the following was undertaken: a protocol for dilution and unit-dose repackaging and administration for 294 medications via enteral tubes; a decision flowchart; operational-standard procedures for dilution and unit-dose repackaging of oral pharmaceutical forms and for administration of medications through enteral tubes.

Risk assessment of patient falls while taking medications ordered in a teaching hospital.

Objective: to stratify prescribed medication in a fall risk scale, identifying subgroups of drugs and inpatient units with higher risk of falls.

Method: retrospective study on prescription order forms given by medical clinic, surgical clinic, and general intensive care unit. Risk factors under consideration: 1) orthostatic hypotension; 2) arterial hypotension; 3) arterial hypertension; 4) bradycardia; 5) psychomotor agitation; 6) mental confusion; 7) dizziness; 8) drowsiness/sedation; 9) reduced eyesight; 10) seizures; 11) atonia/dystonia/muscle weakness; 12) hypoglycemia; 13) urgent urination and 14) urgent defecation/diarrhea.