2.2 Identify medication which demands specific physiological measurements

This guide will help you answer 2.2 Identify medication which demands specific physiological measurements.

Some medicines work safely only if specific body measurements are tracked. These are known as physiological measurements. This guide covers which medicines require these checks, why they matter, and how you can support safe use.

What Are Physiological Measurements?

Physiological measurements are tests or readings taken from a person’s body. These show how the body is working and can highlight changes caused by illness, age, or medication. Common measurements include:

• Blood pressure
• Pulse (heart rate)
• Body temperature
• Blood glucose (sugar level)
• Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2)
• Body weight
• Respiratory rate

Recording these results helps you spot problems early and keeps the person safe.

Why Medications Might Require These Checks

Certain medicines influence body processes in a way that could be risky if not watched carefully. Some drugs change vital signs or need careful adjustment. Checking these values before giving the medicine ensures that it is safe to use at that dose or even at all.

If measurements are missed, the person may suffer harm. For example, too much medicine could be dangerous if a reading is too low or high. Some medicines can only be used under certain physical conditions.

Common Medication Types Requiring Measurement

Several types of medicine need you to check physiological readings. These include:

Antihypertensives (for High Blood Pressure)

Antihypertensives control blood pressure. Giving them without checking can cause very low blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness, falls, or even fainting. Measurements include both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings.

Insulin and Other Diabetic Medications

Insulin helps people with diabetes manage their blood glucose. It is vital to check blood glucose before giving insulin. Too much insulin when blood sugar is already low can cause hypoglycaemia (dangerously low blood sugar), which could result in confusion, loss of consciousness or seizures.

Oral diabetic medications, such as those in the sulphonylurea class, may also require checks before administration.

Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)

Warfarin is a common blood thinner used to prevent clots. Its dosage is guided by the result of a blood test called the INR (International Normalised Ratio). INR means how quickly blood clots. The dosage must change if the INR is too high or too low, as either situation can be life-threatening.

Other newer blood thinners (DOACs) do not need INR checks, but kidney function must be checked regularly.

Cardiac Glycosides (e.g., Digoxin)

Digoxin helps control heart rate. Before giving, the person’s pulse must be checked. Digoxin should not be given if the heart rate is too low, as it lowers heart rate further and can cause dangerous rhythms.

Diuretics (Water Tablets)

Diuretics remove excess fluid from the body. Electrolyte balance (sodium, potassium) and kidney function tests (e.g. blood urea, creatinine) must be checked regularly. Without these, people can develop imbalances which may cause heart problems.

Opioids (Painkillers)

Strong painkillers like morphine can slow breathing. Staff must check respiratory rate. If the rate is already low, giving the medicine can cause serious breathing problems.

Medicines Needing Monitoring Based on Body Weight

Chemotherapy drugs, certain antibiotics, and some anticonvulsants must be dosed according to the person’s current weight. Under- or overdosing can both be harmful.

Medicines Needing Oxygen Level Checks

Inhaled medications for lung problems, such as in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may need blood oxygen checks. High-flow oxygen itself is considered medication in clinical settings and should be monitored.

Examples of Medicines and Measurements Needed

To make things clear, here are examples:

Beta Blockers

These lower heart rate and blood pressure. Always check the pulse and blood pressure before giving. Do not give if pulse is very low.

Glucocorticoids (Steroids)

Long-term use affects blood glucose, blood pressure, and bone density. Blood pressure and blood glucose should be checked regularly.

Antipsychotics

Some drugs for mental health conditions can affect heart rhythm and weight. ECG (electrocardiogram, which checks heart’s electrical activity), blood pressure, and weight checks are needed before and during use.

Thyroid Hormones

Used for thyroid problems. Measurement of thyroid function through blood tests is required to adjust the dose safely.

Lithium

Lithium is used for mental health issues. Its safe use requires regular blood tests for lithium levels, kidney function, and electrolyte balance.

Medicines Requiring Temperature Monitoring

Some medicines, especially those that lower immunity (like chemotherapy), require regular temperature checks to look out for infection, as signs may be less obvious.

Risks of Skipping Physiological Checks

Not checking before giving these medicines can lead to:

• Falls or blackouts from low blood pressure
• Seizures, confusion or unconsciousness from low blood sugar
• Blood clots or bleeding from incorrect anticoagulant dose
• Heart problems from incorrect digoxin or beta-blocker use
• Serious infections with some cancer treatments

You have a duty to protect the wellbeing of people in your care. These checks are not optional.

Recording and Responding to Measurements

Write down each reading straight away. Use the exact forms or digital systems provided. Report concerns promptly to a nurse or senior staff member. Never give medication if a reading is outside the safe range; instead, escalate according to policy.

If unsure whether to give a medicine, speak up and seek advice. This keeps people safe.

Where You Might Carry Out These Checks

You might need to check:

• At home visits
• In care homes
• During clinic appointments
• Before medicine rounds in hospitals

Always have the right equipment available, such as blood pressure monitors, glucometers, or pulse oximeters. Clean and maintain devices as instructed.

Supporting People with Measurements

Some people feel anxious about these tests. Explain each procedure in simple terms, gaining consent before starting. Listen to any concerns and answer questions.

Offer privacy and reassurance:

• Tell the person what you will do
• Say why it is helpful
• Share what happens next

This approach helps reduce worry and builds trust.

Dealing with Abnormal Results

If a result is not in the normal range:

• Do not give the medicine until a nurse or doctor is consulted
• Document the reading and your actions
• Stay with the person and monitor for any symptoms if you are concerned
• Follow your workplace protocol—usually, this means alerting a supervisor or nurse

Your actions can prevent harm or alert staff early to a developing issue.

Medication and Measurements

Here is a table for quick reference.

Legal and Safety Responsibilities

You have a legal and ethical duty to give medicines safely. Failing to check physiological measurements can be seen as neglect. Laws such as the Health and Social Care Act 2008 expect staff to protect people from unsafe practices.

Training must be up to date. Use only equipment you are trained to use. If you are not sure how to do a check, do not guess—ask for help.

Supporting Best Practice

Follow your workplace’s policies for medicine administration. Often, you will find clear ‘safe ranges’ for measurements in a person’s care plan. Always refer to this information before medicine is given.

Keep up to date with any changes to policies or medication requirements. Attend any required training or update sessions. Communicate openly in your team about any new medicines or changes in procedures.

Final Thoughts

Checking physiological measurements before giving certain medicines protects people from harm and supports the safe use of treatment. These checks can seem basic, but they save lives and stop problems before they start.

Your role involves both technical skill and caring. By recording measurements correctly, responding to abnormal results, and keeping up with guidance, you make a positive difference every day. Never rush checks or ignore concerns. Supporting the safe use of medication shapes quality care, builds trust, and upholds professional standards. Always value your knowledge and be proud of the safety you provide in your everyday practice.