Word parts
What it means
A condition or situation that makes a medicine, test or procedure unsafe for a particular client. For example, a known allergy to a drug is a contraindication to giving it, and a pacemaker may be a contraindication to some magnetic resonance imagingmag-NET-ik REZ-uh-nunts IM-uh-jingAn imaging test that uses a strong magnet and radio waves to make detailed pictures of the inside of the body.Full entry scans. When a drug or procedure should not be used, it is "contraindicated."
For the nurse
Before giving any medicine, check the client's allergies, conditions, lab results and other drugs for contraindications. If you find one, hold the dose and contact the provider before going on.
In a chart
"Aspirin is contraindicated: client reports hives with aspirin in the past."
Remember it
Contra means against: the indication is against the drug.
At a glance
| Spanish | contraindicación |
|---|---|
| Also written | contraindicated, contraindications |
Related terms
side effect
An effect of a drug, other than the one it is given for, that is known and expected to happen in some people.
adverse effect
An unwanted and harmful effect of a drug or treatment given at a normal dose.
allergy
A reaction of the immune system to a substance that is harmless to most people.