Pharmacology and The Nursing Process

The Nurse’s Role in Medication Administration

• Patient Safety Principles
  • Ensure the Right Patient receives the medication.
  • Administer the Right Drug as prescribed.
  • Store medications under the Right Storage conditions to maintain efficacy.
  • Use the Right Route of administration (oral, IV, etc.).
  • Administer the Right Dose as calculated and verified.
  • Prepare medications following the Right Preparation protocols.
  • Administer at the Right Time according to the schedule.
  • Record medication administration through the Right Recording practices to ensure accountability.

The Patient’s Role in Medication Management

• Patient Engagement and Literacy
  • Maintain a list of all medications currently being taken.
  • Understand the purpose of each drug, specifically what conditions they treat.
  • Read labels carefully and follow provided directions precisely to avoid mistakes.
  • Store medications safely in a dry place, keeping them out of reach of children and pets.
  • Speak up about concerns or unclear instructions related to their medications.

Medication Administration Procedures

• Before Administration

  • Verify that you have reviewed the patient’s home medications for consistency and potential interactions.
  • Inquire about any allergies to prevent adverse reactions.
  • Understand the intended action of the drug to provide proper rationale for use.
  • Be aware of the potential side effects that the patient may experience.
  • Check if the medication has a reversal agent and ensure it is accessible in an emergency.
  • Confirm that the dosage administered is rational and follows guidelines.

• During Administration

  • Ensure all RIGHTS of medication administration have been performed.
  • Verify vital signs before administering medication to ensure patient safety.
  • Educate the patient about their medication and answer any questions they might have.
  • Assess whether the need for this drug remains valid at the time of administration.

• After Administration

  • Document the medication administration in the appropriate records to maintain accurate patient information.
  • Reassess the patient within a reasonable timeframe to monitor reactions and efficacy of the medication.
  • Address any unwanted side effects emerging post-administration.
  • Follow protocols for the proper disposal of controlled substances to maintain safety and compliance.

Understanding Medication Errors

• Statistics on Medication Errors
  • Approximately 50% of nurses have been involved in medication-related errors.
  • Up to 65% of those errors could have been prevented with improved decision-making processes and adherence to protocols.