Therapeutic Monitoring

Therapeutic Monitoring

The aim of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is to optimise drug therapy concentrations to manage a patient’s medication regime and improve their conditions. Sub optimal treatment has been shown to result in poor patient outcomes.1 While they may not be actively involved in monitoring decisions, practice nurses need to understand their role and responsibilities for patients requiring therapeutic monitoring.2

The following MCQs will look at five common areas where therapeutic monitoring will be required.

This resource is offered at intermediate level and includes five assessment questions to support your continuing professional development. Complete the resource, including the further reading and some or all of the suggested activities, to obtain a certificate for one hour of continuing professional development to include in your annual portfolio.

Learning outcomes

After completing this module you will be able to:

• Appreciate the importance of good communication and liaison with patients so that blood tests are timely and appropriate
• Understand the rationale for disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Understand the process for diagnosing iron deficiency anaemia
• Appreciate the importance of monitoring patients on lithium therapy
• Understand the importance of ensuring a patient’s understanding of their treatment regime for hypothyroidism.

References

1. Jones, M., et al. Evaluation of the pattern of treatment, level of anticoagulation control, and outcome of treatment with warfarin in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a record linkage study in a large British population. Heart 2005:91(4):472-477. https://heart.bmj.com/content/91/4/472

2. Nursing and Midwifery Council. The Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses and midwives, 2015 https://www.nmc.org.uk/standards/code/

Further educational resources

Education For Health: Essentials of Primary Care Nursing:

https://www.educationforhealth.org/shop.php/courses/75/essentials-of-primary-care-nursing

Education For Health: Assessing and Managing Joint Pain

https://www.educationforhealth.org/shop.php/courses/179/assessing-and-managing-patients-with-joint-pain