Medication: A substance or preparation used in treating a disease; prescribed by a physician, dispensed by a pharmacist, and administered or given without client assistance by a nurse.
All professionals involved are licensed by the state to perform their duties.
Types of Medications
Prescription Drugs:
These are drugs that are prescribed by a physician and cannot be purchased without a prescription.
Over-the-Counter Drugs:
These are medications that can be bought without a prescription.
10 Rights of Drug Administration
Right patient: Confirm the identity of the patient before administration.
Right medication: Ensure the correct drug is being given.
Right dose: Verify the dosage administered is correct.
Right route: Administer the medication via the correct route (e.g., oral, IV).
Right time: Ensure medications are provided at the prescribed times.
Right documentation: Keep accurate records of the administration.
Right reason: Understand the purpose of the medication being administered.
Right response: Monitor and assess the patient's reaction.
Right education: Educate the patient about the medication they are receiving and its effects.
Right to refuse: Acknowledge the patient's right to refuse medication.
Example Patient Information
Name: Armando
Address: West Rimbo, Makati City
Age: 29
Sex: Male
Date: 12-03-90
Medication Example:
Medication Name: Amoxicillin
Dosage: 1 cap 3x a day for 7 days.
Definitions of Cardiovascular Conditions
Arteriosclerosis: A condition characterized by the thickening and hardening of arterial walls, often leading to restricted blood flow.
Atherosclerosis: Refers specifically to the increased formation of plaques within blood vessel lumens, leading to narrowed arteries.
MEDICATION STORAGE
Role in Medication Management
Do not change the placement of a client’s medication without their permission.
Safety Protocols:
Keep medications out of reach of children and clients who may be confused or forgetful.
Store medications away from extreme heat, cold, or light pollution.
Dispose of medications in a manner that does not harm the environment.
It is essential to know the ten rights of medication management and the possible side effects of each client’s medication.
Reporting Observations
Report immediately if any of the following occur:
The client is not taking their medications as prescribed.
The client is taking medications (over-the-counter or prescription) unknown to the supervisor.
Any adverse symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash) shortly after medication intake.
Changes in orientation, concentration, memory, or mood after taking medication.
The client is unclear about the purpose of their medications.
Confusion regarding medication dosages or timing.
TYPES OF OXYGEN MASK
Simple Face Mask: Used for general oxygen delivery.
Partial Rebreather Mask: Suitable for patients requiring moderate oxygen concentrations.
Non-Rebreather Mask: Designed for delivering the highest concentration of oxygen.
Venturi Mask: Provides a precise oxygen concentration, adjustable for patient needs.
OXYGEN SAFETY GUIDELINES
Role in Oxygen Therapy
Place a No Smoking sign in the client's room where oxygen is used.
Report if the client is not using oxygen as prescribed.
Use cotton bedclothes to reduce static electricity.
Avoid using electric shavers or hair dryers when oxygen is administered.
Prohibit candles or open flames near oxygen therapy areas.
Avoid combing the client's hair during oxygen therapy due to explosion risks from static sparks.
Seek precise instructions for oxygen equipment, including how to turn it on and off.
Do not adjust settings on any oxygen devices without proper authorization.
INDWELLING URINARY CATHETERS
Definition and Purpose
Urinary Catheter: A tube placed in the body to drain and collect urine from the bladder.
Purpose:
To relieve bladder distention.
To instill medications into the bladder.
To irrigate the bladder.
To collect urine specimens and measure residual urine.
To measure hourly urine output accurately.
To maintain continence among incontinent clients.
To promote healing of the genito-urinary structures postoperatively.
To empty the bladder in preparation for diagnostic procedures and surgery.
Types of Catheters
Indwelling Catheter:
Also known as Foley catheter; remains in the bladder.
Collects urine through a drainage bag with a valve.
Inserted typically through the urethra, but can be inserted through the abdomen in specific cases.
Features a small balloon that inflates to keep it in place and deflates for removal.
Condom Catheter:
Designed for men with incontinence; a condom-like device placed over the penis, connecting to a drainage bag.
Requires daily changes.
Intermittent Catheter:
Inserted into the urethra to empty the bladder as needed and removed afterward.
The frequency of use depends on individual needs.
Guidelines for Managing Indwelling Urinary Catheter
Continuously monitor urine level and report any inconsistencies.
Ensure catheter and tubing are free from obstruction.
Ensure the client isn’t lying on the catheter or tubing to maintain urine flow.
Keep tubing straight from the bed to the bag.
Empty collection bag frequently from the correct port to prevent spillage.
Ensure the tubing is free of contaminations (e.g., fecal matter, mucous).
Cover exposed ends of tubing with sterile covers.
Report any visible sediment or blood in the tubing or collection bag to a supervisor.
Notify a supervisor if there are any leaks around the catheter.
Maintain cleanliness of the client's urinary opening to prevent infection.
Secure catheter to the client's inner thigh or abdomen, depending on gender.
Clients with urinary drainage through a catheter should be monitored for intake and output measurements.