CHS Pharmacy News 

July 2022

Business Hours

July 4th: Closed*

Normal business hours are 9 AM – 5:30 PM M-F, and 9 AM – 3PM Saturday and Closed on Sunday
*Emergency services available 24/7/365

Beers’ Criteria Medications**

Benzodiazepines (Alprazolam, Lorazepam, Oxazepam, Temazepam, Triazolam)

• Older adults have increased sensitivity to this class of medications as well as decreased metabolism. Generally, all medications in this class will increase the risk of cognitive impairment, falls, delirium, and fractures.
• This class may be appropriate for those with seizure disorders, rapid eye movement sleep disorders, benzodiazepine or ethanol withdrawal, severe generalized anxiety disorder or end-of-life care.
• Additionally, gradual dose reductions should be assessed timely for routine orders and as needed orders should be reviewed for appropriate need.

CMS Appendix PP Definitions***

Crushed Medications – “The crushing of tablets or capsules for which the manufacturer instructs to “do not crush” requires further investigation. Some exceptions to the “Do Not Crush” instruction include:

• If the prescriber orders a medication to be crushed which the manufacturer states should not be crushed, the prescriber or the pharmacist must explain, in the clinical record, why crushing the medication will not adversely affect the resident. Additionally, the pharmacist should inform the facility staff to observe for pertinent adverse effects.
• If the facility can provide literature from the medication manufacturer or from a reviewed health journal to justify why modification of the dosage form will not compromise resident care.”

Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives****

Handwashing helps prevent illness. It involves five simple and effective steps (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) to reduce the spread of diarrheal and respiratory illnesses. Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, and prevent the spread of germs to others. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick.

4th of July Trivia*****

1. How many people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th?
2. Is there something written on the back of the Declaration of Independence?
3. When did the Fourth of July become a legal federal holiday?
4. When were fireworks first used to celebrate July Fourth?

July Trivia Answers

1. 2, the president of Congress, John Hancock, and its secretary, Charles Thompson
2. It’s said the following is written upside down and backwards: “Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776.”
3. 1870. Then, in 1938, Congress reaffirmed the holiday to make sure all workers received full pay.
4. 1777. Congress chose fireworks to celebrate the first anniversary. They were ignited over Philadelphia.

1. * rd.com
2. **dcri.org
3. *** KDADs, Appendix PP
4. **** cdc.gov
5. ***** covenantcare.com