Drug Administration Flashcards
What is a subcutaneous route of administration?
(SC) Injection into the subcutaneous fat, between the dermis and the subcutaneous fat
What is an intradermal route of administration?
(ID) Across the skin e.g. nicotine patches
What is an intraossa route of administration?
Directly into the bone
What should patients be educated on before being given drugs?
Side effects, why are they receiving it, what effect it might have on them, how long might it take to work?
What are the five rights?
The right patient, right drug, right route, right dose and right time.
How do you achieve the 1st right: right patient?
Identify patient by name badge or bracelet. Avoid simply asking patient’s name or checking the name on the door as miscommunications can sometimes occur.
How do you achieve the 2nd right: right drug?
Check record for the name of drug and compare with the drug on hand. For prevention of error it is recommended that three checks of the drug to be administered are made: 1. When reaching for the package that contains the drug, 2. when opening the drug, 3. when returning the packaging to the storage area. Also, only administer drugs you have prepared.
How do you achieve the 3rd right: right route?
Check medication record for how long to administer the drug and check labelling of the drug to ensure it matches prescribed route.
How do you achieve the 4th right: right dose?
Compare ordered dose to dose on prescription. Common situations requiring calculations include calculations of IV infusion rates and the conversion of measurement units, for example, determining how many millilitres are required to give the ordered number of milligrams.
How do you achieve the 5th right: right time?
Verify that the frequency or time ordered matches current time on prescription.
What are potentials for interactions that should be considered?
Check drug interactions- leaflets and the British National Formulary (National pharmaceutical reference book), check side effects, food interactions, check sleep patterns, avoid alcohol and illicit substances.
How do you dispose of medication?
Never throw into public waste system. Return to the pharmacy, fill in the correct paperwork, and get signature.
What is a good administration practice?
Have clean and tidy space, wash hands, check the medicine has not already been given, select medicine to be given, for each item read the label and compare with the medication chart, assemble medications to be administered, put medication packages back into containers, administer, compare the administration record sheet, wash your hands.
How do you administer solid oral dose formulations (pills and capsules)?
Transfer the correct no. of units into a clean container without touching them. Prepare a drink of cold water. Ensure patient is upright and comfortable. Hand and patient container and drink. Ask patient to take a sip of drink then place medication on the middle of the tongue and swallow with remaining drink, chin slightly down. Ensure dose has been swallowed. Encourage client to finish drink. If patient cannot take medication themselves use a spoon, not your hands.
How do you administer liquid oral dose formulations?
Shake the bottle. Measure the correct dose and offer medication to the client. If using oral dose syringe expel liquid to the middle of tongue NOT the back of throat. Clean the bottle with damp tissue before replacing lid.
