Week 2 - Safety In medication Administration

Leading Zero Rule

Use a leading zero before a decimal point for doses less than one unit of measurement (e.g., $0.5\,mL$) to prevent misreading the dose.

Trailing Zero Rule

Never use trailing zeros after a decimal point (e.g., write $5\,mL$, never $5.0\,mL$) to prevent decimal misinterpretation.

Rule for Writing the Word "Unit"

Always spell out the word "unit" entirely rather than using the letter "u", which can easily be mistaken for a number.

Approved Abbreviation for Microgram

Use mcg for microgram. Never use u or $\mu$.

Approved Abbreviation for Milliliter

Use mL for milliliter. Never use cc.

Formatting Rules for Large Doses

• Thousands or Millions: Use proper comma placement (e.g., $1,000$ mg).

• Hundred Thousands: Write out in words instead of numbers (e.g., 150 thousand or 1 Million).

REMS

Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy: A safety program designed to ensure that the benefits of a specific drug outweigh its risks, that manufacturers develop safe programs, and that educational packages are included.

Warfarin

A super strong anticoagulant medication that requires careful monitoring.

MAR

Medication Administration Record: The official record used to document all medications ordered for and administered to a patient.

NKDA

No Known Drug Allergies: An abbreviation documented in medication records to confirm that the patient has no reported drug allergies.

Professional Behaviors (Safe Medication Practices)

• Know the drug's action and understand why it is ordered.

• Monitor for side effects and adverse effects.

• Double-check high-risk medications.

• Prepare and administer for one patient at a time.

• Follow facility policy and procedure.

• Educate the patient and family.

• Check expiration dates.

Sequence of medication administration 6 rights

The following are checked 3 times for accuracy and all three are done together before preparing medication

1. Right Drug

2. Right Dose

3. Right Route

The following are confirmed before administering medication: using two patient identifiers

4. Right time

5. Right patient
   

The following is performed after administering medication:

6. Right documentation

Patient Identification Standard

Always verify patient identity using two patient identifiers prior to medication administration.

Brand vs. Generic Name Order on Labels

When both names appear on a label, the Brand name is listed first, followed by the generic name.

If only one appears, it is the generic name.

USP Mark

United States Pharmacopeia: A logo/mark on a drug label indicating the product complies with USP standards for quality, purity, strength, and consistency.

Dosage Strength -

• Strength: The concentration or amount of active ingredient present (e.g., $500\,mg$).

• Dosage Form: The physical form of the drug (e.g., solid tablet, liquid oral suspension).
  
  

Together they form dosage strength

Controlled Substance Symbol on Drug Labels

Controlled Substance Schedule Spectrum

Controlled substances are categorized from Schedule I to V based on medical use, dependency risk, and abuse potential:

• Schedule I: Highest abuse potential

• Schedule V: Lowest abuse potential

NDC

National Drug Code: A unique identifier on a label that indicates the product type.

An NDC number acts like a barcode or social security number for a specific medication. Its main purpose is to help healthcare providers, pharmacies, and insurers track drugs accurately across the supply chain

Lot Number

A unique identification number assigned by the manufacturer to a specific batch of medication produced. It helps ensure traceability and accountability in the event of recalls or quality issues.

Total Amount in Package

The total count or volume in the container (e.g., 100 tablets), which must not be confused with the dosage strength per individual unit.

Single-Dose vs. Multi-Dose Containers

• Single-Dose: Used only once and does not contain preservatives.

• Multi-Dose: Can be used multiple times and contains preservatives to prevent contamination.