Article: Medication reconciliation matters.(Professional Issues)(Case study)

John Davis, an 83-year-old man with a history of heart failure, presents to the emergency room with shortness of breath, pain, fever, and lethargy. Because of his altered mental status, the emergency room staff turns to his wife for medical history. She relates that he has "had heart problems for years," and takes several heart medications and a water pill. She is unable to recall the specific names or dosages.

Mr. Davis is diagnosed with pneumonia and decompensated heart failure, and he is admitted to the hospital's telemetry unit. Orders include furosemide (Lasix[R]) 40 mg IV every 12 hours, supplemental oxygen, and levofloxacin (Levaquin[R]) 500 mg IV daily. ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!