Journal de pharmacie de Belgique
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Cough is a common symptom, often experienced as troublesome. The cough reflex is a physiological defense of the respiratory tract, most often triggered by irritation or obstruction of the airways. Productive cough can expel bronchial secretions. ⋯ Persistent cough generally indicates an underlying condition that requires a causal treatment. In this case, the pharmacist should refer the patient to the doctor. This article aims to provide guidelines for dealing with dry cough in the pharmacy.
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INTRODUCTION; Medication errors [ME] can harm patients and increase costs. ME are frequent in the intensive care units (ICU], where patients are critically ill and therefore more vulnerable. Publications about ME in the critical care setting are rare. The differences between settings, the lack of standardized definitions and the use of different methods do not allow transposing published results to a specific ICU. The goal of this observational study is to analyse our local situation in relation to the literature findings and determine improvement opportunities. ⋯ The literature does not consider the transcription stage as a priority target for error reduction, but this work shows that, depending on the context, transcriptions can significantly increase opportunities for errors. As transcription does not add any value, its suppression seems therefore to be an interesting target for medication safety improvement.
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Fever represents a normal physiological response as a result of the introduction of an infectious agent producing exogenous and endogenous pyrogenes influencing the central set point of body temperature. This response is an important immunological defence. Fever can be defined as any elevation of body temperature above 38 degrees C. ⋯ Febrile convulsion is a common outcome of childhood febrile illness. Adverse effects are rare. The use of antipyretics cannot prevent initial or recurrent febrile convulsions and they should not be used for this purpose.