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Question 1

What goes in a medication order?

Answer 1

Name of person, date of birth and other identifying details as per health care facility policy 
Printed name and signature of prescriber
Date the order is written 
Generic name of the drug to be administered 
Drug dosage 
Drug route
Frequency
Dose limit for Schedule 8 (end dose)

Question 2

What to do if order is incomplete?

Answer 2

Clarify with RN
Contact MO
Correct order before administration

Question 3

Checking Medication X 3

Answer 3

1. Before - As you remove container from trolley check against order
2. During - As medication is removed from container check again against order
3. After - before returning container to trolley check against the order

Question 4

Oral medications advantages and how long before or after the prescribed time should an oral medication be given?

Answer 4

Commonly the safest, most convenient and least expensive
Commonly come in capsules tablets and liquids
Should be given no more than 30 minutes either side of the prescribed time to ensure the therapeutic effect. (all medication actually not just oral)

Question 5

What is a sublingual medication?

Answer 5

Medications that are placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve

Question 6

Remember the “six rights”

Answer 6

Right client - ID band/photo, ask
Right drug - Medication order/label on container
Right dose - Calculate strength, be familiar with usual dosage (look up MIMS)
Right route - Prescribed route
Right time - check when last given, is it due?
Right documentation
And always check for allergies

Question 7

Lasix (furosemide) 
Use 
Contra
Prec
Adverse 
Dose

Answer 7

Use - Diuretic (Promotes increased production of urine)
Contra - Renal shutdown, dehydration
Precautions - Ensure adequate K (potassium) intake; avoid rigid NA restriction
Adverse - Electrolyte imbalance, deafness, dehydration
Interact - laxatives, liquorice
Dose
Adults - 20 - 80 mg per day, single dose
Children - 2 mg/kg/day as single dose