CLINICAL RECOGNITION OF ADVERSE DRUG-REACTIONS - OBSTACLES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE NURSING PROFESSION

Knowing that adverse drug reactions (ADRs) can occur is only part of t he challenge facing nurses today. Clinical recognition of ADRs when th ey occur is an equally challenging component of pharmacotherapeutics. By understanding the obstacles to their clinical recognition, nurses c an design strategies that will engender renewed enthusiasm and vigilan ce for these complications of drug therapy. These strategies will affo rd the nursing profession with enhanced opportunities to assume a lead ership role in the recognition and intervention of ADRs.