Medication Administration

Medication Check #1

compare med label to the MAR as you remove drug from the storage area

Medication Check #2

compare med label to the MAR as you prepare drug

Medication Check #3

compare the med label tp the MAR at the patient’s bedside before you administer each drug

2 and 3 can be done at the same time

Med Administration Routine

research meds

check meds to MAR as you remove them from pyxis

check 6 rights, allergies, scan, and prepare meds

Educate, open, and give meds

Research Meds

learn how it works, proper dose, major side effects, and special considerations

learn why are you giving this med to this pt

Example of how to research meds

Example:  Digoxin

• Used for Heart failure, Afib, Aflutter, and Tachycardia

• Increases contractility  

• May cause fatigue, bradycardia, arrythmias, or nausea

• Maintenance dose–0.125–0.5 mg/day

• Hold for HR less than 60

6 Rights

the right dose, drug, route, time, patient, documentation

Preparation of Meds

if tablet is orderd, pill package is opened w/o destroying the bar code and pill is cut in half

discard onw half and place other half in package w/bar code

liquid- fill med cup to desired dose after you scan med

injection- correct dose will be drawn up as you scan med

Educate, Open, and Give meds

take all meds in packages to beside and educate on each med as you open each package and put med in cup

ensure pt can swallow pills

offer water or juice

encourage to take pills with food

ensure pt is in high fowlers