Medication Administration

Front 1

Seven Rights to Medication Administration

Back 1

1. Right medication
2. Right dose
3. Right route
4. Right time
5. Right client
6. Right documentation
7. Right education

Front 2

Methods of Medication Administration: Parenteral

Back 2

• Subcutaneous
• Small volumes delivered
under dermis
• Intramuscular
• Small volumes delivered into
muscle
• Z-track method that prevents
leakage of liquid into and out
of tissue

Front 3

Methods of Medication Administration: Intradermal

Back 3

• Small volumes delivered under skin.
• Commonly used for skin testing.

Front 4

Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) devices

Back 4

PCA is a method of medication delivery that permits the client to self administer the medication. The device is mostly used for pain medication.PCA is the RN's responsibility. However the PN can monitor for therapeutic effects, adverse effects, problems with administration and report to the RN. Monitor vital signs. Reinforce teaching about the pump.

Front 5

Injection of local Anesthetics

Back 5

• Administration – performed by clinicians who have special training
– Infiltration anesthesia
– Nerve block anesthesia
– Intravenous regional anesthesia
– Epidural anesthesia
– Spinal anesthesia
• Nursing care
– Preparing the client
• Cleaning the site
• Shaving the site
• Positioning the client
• Vital signs

Front 6

Medication Administration

Back 6

• Prior to medication administration, always check pertinent data.
– Vital signs
– Lab results
– Pain rating
– Allergies
• For PRN medications, always determine the need for PRN medications
prior to administering.
• Make sure that all medications are stored appropriately.

Front 7

Medication Administration

Back 7

• Check expiration dates and compatibility with other medications.
• Implement medication rights.
• Review medication order to determine appropriateness of medication for
client. (Understand why client is taking medication.)
• Keep the medication administration record (MAR) up-to-date and
reconcile and maintain regularly.
• Use resources to check the purpose and actions of pharmacological
agents.

Front 8

Medication Administration

Back 8

• Apply knowledge of pathophysiology when administering medications.
• Verify accuracy of medication order.
– Dosage
– Route
• Be familiar with side effects of medications.
• Assess client for any condition that would contraindicate administration
of medication.
• Only administer medication you have prepared.
• If calculating medication dosage, verify accuracy of calculation with
another nurse.
• Observe client’s response to medication.

Front 9

Medication Administration

Back 9

Reinforce client education about the medication regimen, any actions
and therapeutic effects of medication, and pharmacological interactions.
• Document administration and client’s response to medication.
• Withhold any medication dose and notify the provider if the client
experiences an adverse effect to the medication.
• Document side effects the client experiences when taking the
medication.
• Dispose of any unused medications according to facility/agency policy.
• Count narcotics/controlled substances with the RN.
• Collaborate with the RN if necessary.

Front 10

Client Allergies

Back 10

Always determine client allergies prior to giving any medication or food.
• If client has allergies, make sure she has an allergy bracelet/band.
• If the client identifies a medication allergy, ask her to explain what kind of
reaction she had with the medication.
• Never give clients medications they are allergic to

Front 11

Medication Dispensing Machines

Back 11

• A machine that is used to dispense and record the use of medications in
a health care setting.
• Requires a personal code to operate and a biometric ID (fingerprint) to
dispense the medication.
• Never give out your personal code to anyone.
• Never turn your back on an open drawer.

Front 12

Medication dispensing Machines

Back 12

• Use the seven rights to medication administration and three checks.
• Always double-check the accuracy of the machine.
• Always check to make sure that the medication that you are pulling from
the drawer is the medication that is prescribed for the client.
• Never depend on the machine. If a discrepancy is found, report it
promptly.