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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
College of Pharmacy Student Receives “Patient First Award” from Memorial Hospital Pembroke
Orlando Alvarado, student, NSU College of Pharmacy, Puerto Rico.
Memorial Hospital Pembroke recognized NSU pharmacy student, Orlando Alvarado from the College of Pharmacy Ponce Campus with the “Patient First Award.” Orlando was recognized for his outstanding achievements and commitment to providing a healing environment that is safe, efficient, customer focused, and of superior quality.
While on his Emergency Department (ED) clinical rotation at Memorial Hospital Pembroke in Pembroke Pines, FL, a patient entered the Emergency Room (ER) with a chief complaint of difficulty speaking starting 25 minutes prior to arrival. The patient also had a mild left-sided facial droop. Due to these symptoms, a stroke alert was called. During the stroke alert, administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a commonly used drug in this scenario, was being considered by the ED physician and neurologist.
During the stroke alert, College of Pharmacy student Orlando Alvarado (Ponce Campus) reviewed the patient’s home medication at the direction of a pharmacist. Upon reviewing the patient’s medication regimen, Orlando noticed the patient was taking a medication for acid reflux, but it did not list how often the patient was taking it. Upon inquiring with the patient, he denied taking this medication. As a result of this, Orlando contacted the patient’s pharmacy to obtain a complete list of home medications. During reconciliation of the medication with the pharmacy, it was identified that the patient was taking Xarelto, a blood thinner, which would preclude this patient from receiving tPA. Additionally, the patient had denied taking blood thinners several times upon questioning.
When Orlando found out that the patient was taking Xarelto, he immediately brought this to the attention of the ER nurse and ER physician. As a result, the ER physician and neurologist discussed the case again and decided not to proceed with prescribing tPA, but rather to follow a different treatment plan. Due to Orlando’s follow through and educational background, this patient was treated appropriately for a stroke and did not receive a high-alert drug that could have resulted in an adverse event such as intracranial bleeding.