Lecture Notes: Nurse's Responsibility in Medication Administration

Introduction

• Importance of nurse's role in safely administering medications.
• Commitment to adhering to safety protocols to avoid medical errors.

The Five Rights of Medication Administration

• Right Drug:
  • Confirm you have the correct medication before administration.
  • Awareness of similar-sounding or packaged drugs.
  • Example: Avoiding IV nitroglycerin instead of IV Lasix.
• Right Patient:
  • Confirm patient identity with medical identifiers (name, birth date).
• Right Dose:
  • Ensure appropriate dosage for the specific patient and medication.
• Right Route:
  • Correct method of administration (e.g., oral, IV).
• Right Time:
  • Administer medication at the correct time to ensure effectiveness and safety.

Additional Rights

• Right Documentation:
  • Document any side effects or adverse effects.
  • Include patient assessment related to the medication in documentation.
• Right Evaluation:
  • Monitor patient's response to the medication.
• Right to Education:
  • Educate the patient about the medication and its purpose.
• Right to Refuse:
  • Respect the patient’s right to refuse medication.
  • Ensure informed consent and understanding.

Importance of the Nurse's Role

• Nurses as the last line of defense against medication errors.
• Critical responsibility in assessing potential risks and patient advocacy.

Conclusion

• Emphasis on the therapeutic relationship between nurse and patient.
• Nurses play a crucial role in medication safety and patient care.