Nurse Grace

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Grace Chimene Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. I am interested in the health and safety of children. BSN RN University of Texas School of Nursing 1983 MSN University of Texas Medical Branch Pediatric Nurse Practitioner 1987

Friday, March 28, 2014

Poison Prevention and Medication Safety For Teens With Special Needs


Grace's Note:  Special needs kids take a lot of medications.  It is hard to keep track of all the new meds and old meds.  I have been trying to get a take back program at pharmacies, but to no avail.  The powers that be don't mind batteries being recycled but medications just build up in the medicine drawer.  
On another note, prescription drug abuse is rising and teens and young adults are especially vulnerable.  Keep the meds up and away.  Throw away the old meds. One suggestion is to mix old meds with something disgusting  and toss them in the trash.  That will have to do unless your city has a take back program.
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This page was compiled from: Texas Poison Control and Safe Kids.
Poison Prevention
·      Keep cleaning products out of sight and reach.
·      Store cleaning products in their original package.
·      Teach your teen what is safe and not safe in your home.  Use stickers, pictures or stories to help your teen understand.

Medicine Safety
Medicines are the leading cause of poisoning. Special needs teens sometimes take different medicines every day. Call your health care provider if you have any questions about a medicine. 
·      Store medicines safely
o   Medicine can be stolen or abused.  Do not leave medicine out.
o   Use locked cabinets.
o   Do not leave out loose pills or medicines
o   Put medicines safely away after each use.
o   Keep medicines in their original packaging.
o   If your family uses a weekly pillbox, put it safely away after each use.
·      Give medicines safely
o   Teach your teen: Do not share prescription medicine
o   Prevent giving an extra dose of medicine
§  Use a medicine check off list.
§  Tell others when a medicine is given
§  Read the label, follow the directions and measure the dose of each medicine carefully.
o   Always turn the light on when giving medicine.
o   If you suspect your teen has been poisoned or taken an overdose, take the product to the phone and call 1-800-222-1222. If your teen has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911.
·      Keep an up to date medication list
o   At home
o   At school
o   At the Children’s Comprehensive Clinic.
o   At your teen’s medical specialists and pharmacy.


Go to http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/special-needs/ for more safety information and videos on safety.




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