Medication Administration and Calculations

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the NS A332L Medication Administration and Calculations check-off notes.

Medication order

Clinician’s directive specifying the drug to give, dose, route, time, and purpose.

MAR (Medication Administration Record)

A chart listing medications to be given, with names, doses, routes, times, and administration status.

Medication label

Label on a medication container identifying the drug, strength, dose, and instructions.

Medication supply system

The organized system (e.g., cart) from which medications are retrieved for administration.

Preassessment

Initial checks/assessments performed before administering medications to determine safety and appropriateness.

Separate cup

A separate cup used for meds requiring preassessment or segregation; do not open meds in the med room unless needed for cutting/crushing.

Sterility

Maintaining aseptic technique to prevent contamination during injections.

Two identifiers

Using at least two pieces of patient information (e.g., name, ID number, birth date) to confirm identity.

Allergy bracelet

An identification bracelet indicating known allergies to compare with MAR or chart.

Allergy verification

Checking patient allergies against MAR/chart to prevent adverse reactions.

Read MAR

Review the MAR to determine due medications and verify accuracy.

Read label

Read the medication label and confirm it matches the MAR.

Expiration date

The date after which a medication should not be used; checked prior to administration.

Medication calculations

Mathematical calculations used to determine correct dose or dilution.

Bedside transport

Carrying medications, supplies, and MAR to the patient’s bedside for administration.

Initial patient contact

Knock, introduce yourself, perform hand hygiene, and provide privacy before entering the room.

Patient identification methods

Methods to identify a patient: name on band, ID number, birth date, or patient-stated name and DOB.

Explain purpose and action

Inform the patient why the medication is given and how it works.

Scan patient identification band

Use barcode scanning to verify patient identity before administration.

The seven rights of medication administration

Right patient, right medication, right time, right dose, right route, right reason, and expiration date; verify all before administering.

Right patient

Ensure the medication is given to the correct patient.

Right medication

Confirm the medication being given matches the MAR and order.

Right time

Administer at the scheduled time or within an allowable window.

Right dose

Administer the exact prescribed amount.

Right route

Administer via the correct route (oral, ophthalmic, transdermal, injectable).

Right reason

Provide medication for its intended indication.

Ophthalmic medications

Eye drops; instill into the conjunctival sac without contaminating the bottle or eye.

Conjunctival sac

The space under the lower eyelid where eye drops are placed.

Transdermal medications

Patches applied to the skin for systemic delivery; involve site care and patch changes.

Patch application

Apply patch to clean, dry skin; press edges for 30 seconds; initial and date on tape, not on patch.

Patch removal and disposal

Remove old patch, fold adhesive sides together, discard; wash area.

Insulin pen

Device for insulin administration; steps include priming, dial dose, and delivering with a hold time.

Insulin pen priming

Gently prime the pen to remove air and ensure accurate dosing.

Injectable medications: ID, SQ, IM angles

ID: 5-15 degrees; SQ: 45 degrees (less than 1 in adipose) or 90 degrees (more than 1 in adipose); IM: 90 degrees.

Needle safety

Engage needle safety and dispose of needles in a sharps container.

Syringes and sharps disposal

Dispose of used needles in a sharps container; proper handling and disposal.

Assistance after administration

Position the patient comfortably; lower bed; ensure call light is within reach.

Hand hygiene

Perform handwashing or use sanitizer before and after patient contact.

Glove use

Wear gloves as indicated; remove and perform hand hygiene after completing the task.

Privacy during procedure

Maintain patient privacy by closing curtains and communicating what is being done.

Documentation and signatures

Record times, initials, and dates on the check-off form; ensure proper signatures.