Safe Medication Administration Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Instructor: Janisha Thomas
• Topic: Safe medication administration
• Importance: Nurses are responsible for every dose given; mistakes can lead to harm.

Pre-Administration Considerations

• Research Drug:
  • Purpose
  • Body system affected
  • Ingredients
  • Multiple system effects
• Drug Handbook: Essential tool

The Rights of Medication Administration

• Basic Rights:
  • Right medication
  • Right documentation
  • Right route
  • Right time
  • Right client
  • Right dosage
• Additional Rights:
  • Right reason
  • Right response
  • Right to know
  • Right to refuse

Checking Procedure

• Triple check: Ensure cleanliness, verify medication details against the Medication Administration Record (MAR)
• Patient has the right to know the medication details

Medication Dispensing Systems

• Pixis System: Fingerprint access, medication verification

Documentation and Timing

• Document all variances
• Understand time windows for medication administration (30 minutes before/after)

Error Protocol

• Assess patient and report to a physician immediately
• Follow institution’s policy for error management

Patient Rights

• Right to Know: Inform patients about medication details
• Right to Refuse: Patients can refuse any medication

Components of a Medication Order

• Patient's name and address
• Medication name
• Dosage
• Administration details
• Timing
• Prescription date
• Physician’s signature and DEA number

Administration of Oral Medications

• Pills: Use gloves, choose appropriate administration tools
• Liquids: Measure at eye level
• Buccal & Sublingual: Rapid absorption, no eating/drinking until dissolved

Enteral Medications

• For patients with feeding tubes
• Do not crush certain tablets
• Process involves flushing before and after administration

Special Considerations

• Elderly Patients: Slower absorption
• NPO Patients: Alternative routes might be needed

Topical Medications

• Creams, Ointments, Lotions: Avoid application on irritated skin
• Transdermal Patches: Rotate sites, avoid heating pads, ensure proper application

Installation Medications

• Ophthalmic: Avoid touching application to eye
• Otic: Ensure dropper does not touch ear
• Nasal & Vaginal: Proper positioning and technique

Inhalation Medications

• Correct technique is crucial to avoid systemic effects
• MDI: Use spacer, rinse mouth after use

Parenteral Medications

• Needle and Syringe Types: Luer-lock, pre-filled syringes
• Sterile Technique: Only touch non-sterile parts

Medication Preparation

• Proper techniques for drawing up medication, reconstituting

Injection Techniques

• Subcutaneous and Intramuscular Sites: Correct site and needle size selection enhances effectiveness

Injection Sites and Techniques

• Intramuscular Sites: Deltoid, vastus lateralis, ventrogluteal
• Subcutaneous Sites: Arm, abdomen, thigh

Considerations for Injection

• Use smallest suitable needle
• Differentiate between patient needs (e.g., obese patients)

Safety Protocols

• Do not recap used needles
• Dispose of needles in sharps container

Questions and Practice

• Practice scenarios to apply knowledge (e.g., calculations, correct site selection)

Conclusion

• Q&A: Open session for questions
• Remind students of the importance of safe medication practices

This concludes the lecture on safe medication administration. Remember to review the rights of medication administration and adhere to safety protocols for patient and personal safety.