CHS Pharmacy News
August 2025
Business Hours
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
August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month – What Nurses Should Know*-***
Gastroparesis is a chronic condition where the stomach muscles fail to move food efficiently into the small intestine, leading to delayed gastric emptying. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, bloating, early satiety, abdominal pain, and malnutrition. It is most often associated with diabetes, but can also result from vagal nerve damage, viral infections, or medications such as opioids, anticholinergics, and certain antidepressants.
For nursing staff, key considerations include:
- Monitoring for dehydration and nutritional deficiencies, especially in patients with persistent vomiting or poor intake
- Supporting glycemic control in diabetic patients, as gastroparesis can cause erratic absorption and blood sugar fluctuations
- Educating patients on dietary strategies, such as small, frequent meals low in fat and fiber
- Recognizing when to escalate care for severe symptoms, bezoar formation, or medication malabsorption
While there is no cure, management includes dietary adjustments, prokinetic agents, antiemetics, and in severe cases, enteral or parenteral nutrition. Nurses play a vital role in early recognition, patient education, and interdisciplinary care planning.
Returnable Medications
Certain medications cannot be returned to the pharmacy once opened, as they are intended for single-patient use. This includes inhalers, eye drops, creams, ointments, liquids, and insulin. Encourage the prescriber to sign an order allowing the resident to take these medications upon discharge, if appropriate. Controlled substances and hazardous medications are non-returnable and must be destroyed at the facility if not ordered for discharge.
Reordering – Stock & Control Meds
With more residents living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, August is a good time to revisit person-centered care strategies. This approach focuses on understanding each resident’s history, preferences, and communication style to help reduce agitation, improve engagement, and enhance quality of life. Nursing staff can make a strong impact by maintaining consistent routines. Ongoing training and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams remain essential to creating a supportive environment for both residents and caregivers.
August Trivia
- August was named after which Roman emperor?
- Which zodiac signs are associated with August?
- Which U.S. state became the 50th state in August 1959?
- What popular fruit is celebrated during National Peach Month in August?
August Trivia Answers
- Augustus
- Leo and Virgo
- Hawaii
- Peach
- * mayoclinic.org
- ** nih.gov
- ***mayoclinic.org