Exam 2: Medication Administration Flashcards
What are the steps to administering meds safely?
Assess the patient
Verify provider order
Assure order matches MAR - 8 rights
Dispense medication
Safety checks
Collect supplies
What assessment data is important when giving a PO
Assessing swallow/aspiration risk
Diet order
Fluid restriction
What assessment data is important when giving a IV
Is IV patent and sufficient
What assessment data is important when giving a IM
Adequate muscle mass for IM injection
Appropriate landmarks
Tissue free of infection/necrostion
Free of bruising/abrasions
Underlying bones, nerves, etc.
What assessment data is important when giving a SQ
Check skin
Pt comfortable
Rotate sites
How does our knowledge of the client’s story help us administer meds safely?
Get more context on clients perception and any issues with adherence
More subjective
What do you need to understand about your pt before giving them meds
Must assess
Have an understanding on their overall condition so you know what you’re treating
Have context on why you’re doing something, otherwise you’re just slinging pills
What are the components of a complete medication order?
Medication name
Dose of medication
Route of administration
Frequency of administration
Indication for use (pain, fever, BP) or PRN meds
**Allergies - always confirm prior to administration
Date and time the order was written
PT’s name, MRN, DOB
Signature of prescribing healthcare provider
**Unsigned order is not valid; should not be carried out until signed
What are the 8 rights of medication and when do we use them?
Right PT
Right med
Right dose
Right route
Right time
Right reason
Right response
Right documentation
when do we use these?*
Check Orders against MAR
Check at the Pyxis
Check bedside w/ wristband
Why are Right Reason and Right Response important to include in the medication rights?
Right reason is a critical thinking exercise. Must know medications action and intended purpose
Help to educate and review with pt
Be able to apply to pt condition (why do they need it)
Right response is an evaluation of the drug effect
Monitor pt for desired effect or look out for negative effects
Having a plan for whatever your pt is at risk for
What are we looking for when we compare the MAR to the Order?
That the order has been transcribed correctly
8 rights
Describe a medication time window for administering medications?
Dependent on institution policy; usually within 1 hour before or after.
Antibiotics +/- 30 minutes
What is the process for removing a med from the pyxis?
Avoid talking/distractions when removing meds
Navigate to your client in Pyxis
Choose appropriate med
Click one med - assure med desired is med removed
Review 8 rights
Check against MAR
What is our action plan when a side effect is identified that our client may be at risk for?
Plan accordingly. Ex: if side effect is nausea, ensure you administer med with food and antiemetics if necessary
What are our safety checks that are performed at bedside?
8 rights - looking at pt now: two identifiers, confirm allergies)
Verifies that the medication does not interact with other medications to be given
Questions order if medication found inappropriate
Verifies the medication dose is within safe range for patient
Verifies the medication action
Acknowledges concerning side effects for patient and nursing plan to maintain safety
What are the 4 components of Education for Safety?
Explain to pt the specific reason for medication
Explain to pt side effects to alert nurse of and safety measures implemented. Ex: nausea, heart palpitation: “we are going to order a heart monitor for you”
Explain administration process
Acknowledge any necessary pre assessment date to ensure patient safety. Ex: “Are you nauseous?”
