Basic Meds Unit

Different ways orders are placed

• Written

• Fax

• Telephone

• Verbal

• Computerized

Pharmacist role

• Prepares/distributes meds

• Puts additives in IV solutions

• Ensures proper dosage/labeling

• Works with physicians and nurses

Five rights

1. Right patient

2. Right drug

3. Right dose

4. Right route

5. Right time/frequency

Additional rights aside from basic 5

1. Right indication

2. Right education

3. Right documentation

Drug actions

1. Metabolism

2. Mechanism of action

3. Absorption

4. Distribution

Routes of Administration

• Oral

• Buccal

• Sublingual

• Topical

• Parenteral

• Inhaled

• Intraocular

Types of orders

• Standing orders

• PRN order

• Single / 1x order

• Stat order

How to straighten ear canal in children

Pull ear down and back 

How to straighten ear canal in adults

Pull ear up and back

Complete med order includes…

• Patient name

• Date/time ordered

• Drug name 

• Drug dose

• Frequency

• Route of administration

What is a fasting blood sugar (FBS) or fasting serum glucose (FSG)?

A blood glucose test performed after the patient has not eaten for at least 8 hours

What is a normal fasting blood sugar (FBS)?

70–99 mg/dL

What fasting blood sugar range indicates prediabetes?

100–125 mg/dL

What fasting blood sugar level is consistent with diabetes?

126 mg/dL or higher on 3 consistent fasting blood sugar tests

What random blood glucose level is consistent with diabetes?

Greater than 200 mg/dL

What needle gauge is used for an adult IM injection?

18–23G

What needle length is used for an adult IM injection?

1–2 inches

At what angle is an adult IM injection given?

90º

For an adult IM injection, should the skin be pinched or pulled taut?

Pull the skin taut

What is the maximum volume for an adult IM injection?

3mL

What are the common adult IM injection sites?

• Deltoid

• Vastus lateralis

• Ventrogluteal

• Dorsogluteal

What needle gauge is used for a child IM injection?

25–27G

What needle length is used for a child IM injection?

⅝–1 inch

At what angle is a child IM injection given?

90°

For a child IM injection, should the skin be pinched or pulled taut?

Pinch the skin

What is the maximum volume for a child IM injection?

1–2 mL

What IM site is preferred for children ages 0–3 years?

Vastus lateralis

What IM site is preferred for children older than 3 years?

Deltoid

What needle gauge is used for a subcutaneous injection?

25–27G

What needle length is used for a subcutaneous injection?

½–⅝ inch

At what angle is a subcutaneous injection given?

• 45° if 1 inch of tissue can be pinched

• 90° if 2 inches of tissue can be pinched

What is the maximum volume for a subcutaneous injection?

1.5 mL

What are common subcutaneous injection sites?

• Dorsolateral upper arm

• Abdomen

• Anterolateral thigh

What needle gauge is used for an intradermal injection?

26–27G

What needle length is used for an intradermal injection?

⅜–⅝ inch

At what angle is an intradermal injection given?

5–15°

For an intradermal injection, should the skin be pinched or pulled taut?

Pull the skin taut

What is the maximum volume for an intradermal injection

0.1 mL

What is the most common intradermal injection site?

Inner forearm