Medication

Medication Administration Overview

• Medication administration is a complex process crucial for patient care.

• Involves the application of prescribed medications to patients.

Medication Safety Risks

• Adverse Medication Reactions: Unwanted effects post-medication administration. Can range from mild to severe symptoms, such as:

  • Mild reactions: Rash, nausea.

  • Severe reactions: Kidney damage, gastrointestinal bleeding.

• Cross Infection: Transfer of pathogens to patient during medication administration.

  • Common causes: Not properly cleaning IV hubs, touching equipment to patient’s eyes.

• Injury: Potential harm due to incorrect medication administration.

  • Example: Administering antihypertensive medication to a patient already hypertensive or poor injection technique leading to hematoma or nerve damage.

Routes for Medication Administration

• Common Routes:

  • Oral (PO): Taken by mouth.

  • Parenteral: Includes IV, intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SubQ) administration.

  • Intradermal: Injection into the dermis layer of the skin.

• Other Routes:

  • Inhalation, Sublingual, Rectal, Topical, Otic, and Ophthalmic.

Safe Medication Administration Principles

• Follow safe medication principles to prevent harm:

  • Adhere to the Rights of Medication Administration:

    1. Right Patient: Confirm identity using at least two identifiers (e.g., name, date of birth).

    2. Right Medication: Check the medication against the medication administration record (MAR).

    3. Right Dose: Ensure correct dosage is administered.

    4. Right Time: Administer medication at the scheduled time.

    5. Right Route: Verify the correct route of administration; some medications can be administered in multiple ways (e.g., acetaminophen).

    6. Right Indication: Ensure administration is appropriate (e.g., checking blood glucose before insulin).

    7. Right Documentation: Document administration details in the patient's chart.

    8. Additional Rights may exist based on institutional protocols.

Patient Education for Safe Self-Administration

• Inform patients on their medications to promote safety:

  • Goals of treatment.

  • Instructions on how and when to take medications.

  • Proper storage and disposal of medications.

  • Possible side effects to watch for.

  • Guidance on when to contact healthcare providers.

  • Encourage maintaining an updated list of all prescribed medications.

Final Thoughts

• Nurses serve as the last line of defense against medication errors.

• Vigilance and adherence to safety standards are essential in the medication administration process.