Safety & Quality in Medication Administration

Practice flashcards based on the lecture notes about medication administration, safety, and quality in nursing practice.

What are the Six Rights of Medication Administration?

Right patient, right drug, right dose, right time, right route, right documentation.

Why are the Six Rights important?

To avoid medication errors and promote safety and accuracy.

What should you verify with a patient before administering medication?

At least two patient identifiers such as name and date of birth.

What can happen if tablets are split improperly?

Uneven doses may occur, leading to safety risks.

Why is it risky to buy drugs online?

Some websites sell unsafe, expired, or counterfeit medications.

What should you never do with sustained-release tablets?

Never crush them as it alters drug absorption.

What is 'tall-man' lettering?

A method to distinguish between look-alike/sound-alike drugs.

What is a Culture of Safety in nursing?

Emphasizes open communication and system improvement rather than individual blame.

What did the National Academy of Medicine’s “To Err Is Human” highlight?

Many medication errors are preventable and stem from system flaws.

What does the ANA's 'Just Culture' promote?

Balancing accountability with a non-punitive environment for reporting errors.

What does QSEN stand for?

Quality and Safety Education for Nurses.

What is a safe method for medication disposal?

Drug take-back events, mail-back programs, or mixing with unappealing substances and discarding.

What are high-alert medications?

Medications that can cause serious harm if given incorrectly, like insulin and epinephrine.

What is one strategy for safe administration of high-alert medications?

Require two-nurse verification and documentation before giving.

What does the Nurse's Bill of Rights support?

Nurses' right to a safe and ethical work environment.

What does the FDA Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule replace?

Old letter categories (A, B, C, D, X) with three new subsections.

What is the first step in the Nursing Process for medication administration?

Assessment: Recognizing cues such as vital signs and lab results.

What is included in the Planning phase of the Nursing Process?

Calculate accurate doses and avoid distractions.

What is the method of administering oral drugs via NG tube?

Confirm tube placement and check gastric residual.

What does the intradermal administration technique require?

Insert at a 10–15° angle and form a bleb.

What types of needles are typically used for subcutaneous injections?

25–27 gauge needle, with ⅜–⅝ inch length.

Why is the ventrogluteal site preferred for intramuscular injections?

It's a deep muscle away from major nerves.

What should be monitored during intravenous therapy?

Flow rate, pulses, and insertion site.

What is the purpose of the Z-track intramuscular injection method?

To seal medication in the muscle and reduce skin irritation.

What should nurses do following medication administration?

Document the site, medication, and patient response.

Which method should not be used when giving IV medications?

Nurses should NOT add medications to IV bags.

What personal protective equipment is necessary for medication administration?

Gloves to prevent contamination.

What is the role of potassium in the body?

Maintains acid-base balance and is essential for cardiac rhythm.

What is the primary extracellular cation?

Sodium (Na⁺).

What are symptoms of hyponatremia?

Muscle weakness, headache, confusion, seizures.

What is the effect of hyperkalemia?

Slow, irregular heartbeat and muscle weakness.

What dietary recommendations are made for someone with hypokalemia?

Increase potassium intake through diet or supplements.

What is the recommended rate of IV potassium replacement in monitored settings?

10 mEq/hr, maximum of 40 mEq/hr.

How should you prepare the site for an intradermal injection?

Use aseptic technique and mark the site for reading.

What is a key goal when administering medications?

Promote therapeutic response and prevent adverse reactions.

What should be noted in the patient's response to medication?

Any side effects or adverse reactions.

What are isotonic solutions used for?

To increase sodium content in vascular fluid when low.

How are hypertonic solutions used?

For severe hyponatremia to increase sodium levels.

What is the importance of calcium in the body?

Necessary for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and blood clotting.

What methods are used to correct hypocalcemia?

Calcium replacement therapy when levels fall below normal.

What should patient teaching for medications include?

Safety, correct storage, therapeutic effects, and side effects.

What are the major signs of magnesium deficiency?

Weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps.

What can prolonged hypomagnesemia lead to?

It can affect potassium balance adversely.

What is the method for correcting sodium deficiency?

Carefully monitor and replace with IV fluids or oral intake.

What is the assessment focus for fluid volume deficit?

Recognizing cues such as muscle weakness, confusion, and dry mucous membranes.

How should IV fluid volume overload be evaluated?

Monitor input/output, daily weight, and signs of overload.

What type of syringe is used for subcutaneous injections?

1–3 mL syringe.

What actions should be taken if a medication error occurs?

Report errors immediately and document accordingly.

What is the nurse's responsibility regarding patient education on medications?

Teach self-administration skills and when to contact healthcare providers.