Inadequate therapeutic regimen among bedridden elderly patients

Abstract

This is a research study that aims to assess the most frequent nursing diagnosis among bedridden elderly patients who live in the neighbourhood of Satélite, city of Teresina, Piauí. Data were obtained from a database in the period of September - December, 2007. The most frequent diagnosis was 'inadequate therapeutic regimen', which was seen in 98% of the patients. Considering this problem, we made a survey of the scientific literature in order to identify the main mistakes that lead to inadequate use of drug, its consequences to elderly patients in terms of health and life quality, and the nursing actions to minimize this problem. Data analysis showed that the numerous drugs and doses represent a risk to the patient's lives, leading to possible adverse reactions. Another relevant question concerns the implementation of a systematic and individualized nursing care.