Drug Administration And Law

Question 1

Why do we need to know more about the medicines we administer? (2)

Answer 1

All pharmacologically active substances have the potential to cause harm

Medicines are taken by patients with an expectation of benefit and usually with some awareness that side effects might occur

Question 2

What is drug nomenclature composed of?

Answer 2

Drugs usually have three names

Question 3

What is the three names drugs have?

Answer 3

Chemical name
Genetic name (usually used)
Trade name

Question 4

What 5 acts are involved in drug administration?

Answer 4

Medicines and Drugs Act 1968

Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) Regulations 1973

Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1985

Human Medicines Regulations 2012

Question 5

What was the first comprehensive legislation on medicines in the U.K.?

Answer 5

Medicines Act 1968

Question 6

What is the purpose of the Medicines Act 1968?

Answer 6

It regulates the manufacture, distribution and importation of all medicines for human and animal use

Question 7

What are the three classes of product under the Medicines Act 1968?

Answer 7

General Sales List (GSL)

Pharmacy (P)

Prescription only medicines (POM)

Question 8

What is General Sales List (GSL) Medicines?

Answer 8

It can be bought in places like supermarkets and do not require the supervision of a pharmacist

Question 9

What is Pharmacy (P) medicines?

Answer 9

Can only be bought at a pharmacy and are sold under the supervision of a pharmacist

Question 10

What is Prescription only medicines (POM)?

Answer 10

Must be prescribed by a doctor, dentist or exceptionally, another qualified health professional

Question 11

When can a person administer POM?

Answer 11

A person can only administer a POM to themselves unless s/he is a practitioner or is acting in accordance with directions of a practioner

Question 12

Which POMs are exempt from this restriction if administered to save life in an emergency situation? (3)

Answer 12

Adrenaline

Atropine (used to treat certain types of nerve agent and pesticide poisonings as well as some types of slow heart rate and to decrease saliva production during surgery)

Glucagon (promotes breakdown of glycogen to glucose)

Question 13

When did the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 come into operation?

Answer 13

1 July 1973

Question 14

What is the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 used for?

Answer 14

It controls the export, import, production, supply and possession of dangerous or otherwise harmful drugs

Question 15

Drugs are split into three categories in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. What are they?

Answer 15

Class A
B
C

Question 16

Give some examples of class A drugs:

Answer 16

Morphine
Cocaine
Heroine
LSD
Magic mushrooms

Question 17

Give some examples of class B drugs:

Answer 17

Amphetamines
Cannabis
Codeine
Ketamine

Question 18

Give some examples of class C drugs:

Answer 18

Diazepam

Anabolic steroids

Question 19

What is the purpose of Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1985?

Answer 19

Permit the use of controlled drugs which contains 5 schedules

Question 20

What are the 5 schedules in descending order of control over storage and handling of the drugs?

Answer 20

1) drugs may not be used for medicinal purposes
2) includes the opiates (painkillers, sedative etc)
3) minor stimulants and barbiturates (CNS depressant)
4) Benzodiazepines fit in here
5) preparations of controlled drugs with only minimal risk of abuse… eg. 0.2% morphine

Question 21

How should Drugs be stored on station?

Answer 21

Drugs should be kept in a locked storage area where general access is not possible

Each trust/organisation should have written procedures surrounding the signing in and out of medicines

Question 22

How should Drugs be stored on vehicles?

Answer 22

Where drugs are left on an unattended vehicle, the vehicle should be closed and locked - this is not adequate where CDs (Controlled Dangerous Substances) are involved

Question 23

What part of the law states that paramedics can administer medications?

Answer 23

The exemptions that allow suitably trained ambulance paramedics to administer drugs in specified circumstances exist in part 3 of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012

Question 24

What is Patient Group Directions?

Answer 24

This is NOT prescribing

PGDs are written instruction that allow qualified healthcare professionals to supply or administer medicines to patient, usually in planes circumstances

Question 25

What are the 6 Rs?

Answer 25

Right time
Right patient
Right medication 
Right route
Right dose
Right to refuse/documentation

Question 26

What are the responsibility of a paramedic to a patient?

Answer 26

Take patient history - allergies etc

Respect wishes regarding medication

Get patients consent

Explain effect of drug and possible side effects

Assess patient capacity to understand patient information you are giving them

Monitor patient once drug administered

Question 27

What are the responsibilities for paramedics in terms of documentation?

Answer 27

Maintain confidentiality towards patient making sure they are aware of data sharing

All drugs administered should be recorded - time, route and region of the body it’s been administered

Document everything you do with patient - with their consent

Question 28

What responsibilities do paramedics have to the employer and HCPC?

Answer 28

Standards state must practice safely and effectively - so only administer to your capability

Must only work to the trust they are with for guidelines and how they administer certain medication. Eg. PGD guidelines may differ from trust to trust

Question 29

What responsibilities do paramedics have under the law?

Answer 29

Must only administer medication not prescribe

Abide to the law about storage of certain medications and who can administer them

Be able to dispose of drugs accordingly

Understand classification of certain drugs

Know and be aware of all laws and acts a paramedic applying these in practice

Be aware of effects drugs many have on patient and be able to report effects