Identification of potential problems for elderly outpatients after preoperative medication: a case study

Meperidine and promethazine are preoperative medications ordered frequently for outpatient and inpatient surgical procedures in this facility. Although all medications have the potential to cause adverse reactions, the case studies presented in this article suggest a relationship between the use of one or both of these drugs and the cancellation of surgery, ie, two surgical procedures were cancelled because of the patients' behavior after administration of preoperative medication. Nurses are advised of the potential for reactions, especially in the elderly patient. Further examination of this topic is essential to prevent other episodes of adverse drug reaction or cancellation of surgical procedure and to add to the current knowledge base of effective preoperative medications.