What it means
The full plan a client follows for a treatment: a drug regimen sets each medicine, dose and time; a diet or exercise regimen sets what to eat or how to move. A regimen works only if the client can follow it, so nurses look at how simple it is, what it costs and how it fits the client's day.
For the nurse
Teach the regimen in plain words and ask the client to say it back. Ask what makes it hard to follow (cost, side effects, too many pills) and suggest aids such as a pill organizer or phone reminders.
At a glance
| Spanish | régimen |
|---|---|
| Also written | regimens |
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.
plan of care
A written plan that lists a client's problems, goals and the nursing actions to reach them.