Fundamentals Medication Adminsitation

What are the provider’s responsibilities in medication administration?

Perform H&P, diagnose, prescribe medications, monitor response, and modify prescriptions as needed.

What are the pharmacist’s responsibilities?

 Validate prescriptions, prepare and distribute meds, provide administration instructions, and serve as a drug resource.

What are the nurse’s responsibilities in medication administration?

Prepare/administer meds, evaluate response, educate patients, advocate for safety, report errors, and follow policies.

What is a standing/protocol order?

A pre-approved order carried out under specific circumstances.

 What is a routine/scheduled order?

A medication given at set times until discontinued.

What is a PRN order?

A medication given “as needed” based on patient condition.

What is a STAT order?

A medication that must be given immediately.

What is a NOW order?

A medication given promptly but not emergent like STAT.

Who can take telephone or verbal orders?

Only authorized staff; CCN students may NOT take them.

 What is required when receiving a telephone or verbal order?

Read back the order, identify the patient, document correctly, and obtain provider co-signature.

What are the required components of a medication order?

Patient full name, age/weight if needed, order date & time, medication name, dose (amount or strength), route, frequency, and provider signature.

 What should the nurse do if an order is incomplete or unclear?

Hold the medication and clarify with the healthcare provider.

What must always be assessed before medication administration?

Age, weight, diet, allergies, labs, medical history, meds, OTCs, and patient understanding, existing disease/illness.

Why are older adults at higher risk for medication errors?

 Physiological changes, polypharmacy, falls, orthostatic hypotension, and delirium.

What is the Right Drug?

Compare EMAR to order and medication label three times.

What is the Right Dose?

Verify calculations and double-check high-risk medications.

What is the Right Route?

 Ensure the route is ordered and appropriate; clarify if not.

What is the Right Assessment?

Check vital signs, labs, and patient condition before giving meds.

What is the Right Time?

Administer within facility-approved time windows.

What is the Right Patient?

Use at least two patient identifiers.

What is the Right Documentation?

Chart after administration and document PRN follow-up.

What is the Right Indication?

 Confirm the medication is appropriate for the patient’s condition.

What is the Right Patient Education?

Teach purpose, side effects, and precautions using teach-back.

What is the Right Evaluation?

Determine if the medication achieved the desired effect.

What are the major routes of medication administration?

Oral, topical, inhalation, and parenteral.

What is a key rule for oral medications?

Do not crush enteric-coated or extended-release meds.

 What is a major risk with enteral tube medications?

Aspiration and tube clogging.

What must be done before administering enteral meds?

Verify tube placement and flush before, between, and after meds.

What angle is used for intradermal injections?

10–15 degrees.

What is the max volume for subcutaneous injections?

Approximately 1 mL.