Fundamentals: Medication Administration Flashcards
What are predicted or unintended effects of medication?
therapeutic effects, side effects, adverse effects, toxic effects, allergic reactions, anaphylactic reactions, and medication interaction.
Therapeutic effects
expected or predictable physiological response to a medication
Side effects
predictable and often unavoidable secondary effects a medication predictably will cause
Adverse effects
unintended, undesirable, and often unpredictable severe responses to medication
Toxic effects
develop after prolonged intake of medication or when a medication accumulates in the blood because of impaired metabolism or excretion
Allergic reactions
unpredictable responses to a medication
Anaphylactic reactions
allergic reactions that are life threatening and characterized by sudden constriction of bronchiolar muscles, edema of the pharynx and larynx, and severe wheezing and shortness of breath
Medication interaction
occurs when one medication modifies the action of another medication; it may altar the way another medication is absorbed, metabolized, or eliminated from the body
What are the two types of oral routes
Oral (swallowing)
Buccal (dissolve in between cheek and gums)
Sublingual (dissolve under tongue)
Identify and describe the five methods for applying medications to mucous membranes.
Directly apply a liquid or ointment Inserting a medication into a body cavity Instilling fluid into a body cavity Irrigating a body cavity Spraying
Common types of medication orders
verbal, standing or routine, PRN, single (one time), STAT, Now.
Verbal
If the order is given verbally to the nurse by the provider, it is a verbal order
Standing or routine
is carried out until the prescriber cancels it by another order or until a prescribed number of days elapsed
PRN
a medication that is given only when a patient requires it
Single (one-time)
given only once at a specified time
STAT
a single dose of a medication to be given immediately and only once
Now
used when a patient needs a medication quickly but not right away; the nurse has up to 90 minutes to administer
Identify the common medication errors that can cause patient harm
Inaccurate prescribing Administration of the wrong medicine Giving the medication using the wrong route or time interval Administering extra doses Failing to administer a medication
Identify and describe the process for medication reconciliation.
Obtain, verify, document
Consider and compare
Reconcile
Communicate
List the six rights of medication administration.
Right medication Right dose Right patient Right route Right time Right documentation
Identify the areas the nurse needs to assess to determine the need for and potential response to medication therapy.
History History of allergies Medication data Diet history Patient’s perceptual coordination problems Patient’s current condition Patient’s attitude about medication use Patient’s knowledge and understanding of medication therapy Patient’s learning needs
Identify the components of a medication order.
Patient’s full name Date and time that the order is written Medication name Dose Route of administration Time and frequency of administration Signature of provider
Polypharmacy means:
When patients need to take several medications to treat their illnesses, take two or more medications from the same chemical calls, use two or more medications with the same or similar actions or mix nutritional supplements or herbal products with medications, polypharmacy happens.
Identify the precautions to take when administering any oral preparation to prevent aspiration
- Determine the patient’s ability to swallow and cough and check for gag reflex
- Prepare oral medications in the form that is easiest to swallow
- Allow the patient to self-administer medications if possible
- If the patient has unilateral weakness, place the medication in the stronger side of the mouth
- Administer pills one at a time, ensuring that each medication is properly swallowed before the next one is introduced
- Thicken regular liquids of offer fruit nectars if the patient cannot tolerate thin liquids
- Avoid straws because they decrease the control the patient has over volume intake, which increases the risk of aspiration
- Have the patient hold the cup and drink from it if possible
- Time medications to coincide with meal times or when the patient is well rested and awake if possible
- Administer medications using another route if risk of aspiration is severe
Identify the guidelines to ensure safe administration of transdermal or topical medications.
- Medication history and reconciling medications
- Assess if patient has an existing patch before application
- Wear disposable gloves when applying and removing patches
- Apply noticeable label to the patch
- Document removal of medication on the MAR
- Document the location of the patient’s body where the medication was placed on the medication administration record (MAR)
Describe the procedure for instilling nose drops and sprays.
HELP
List four principles for administering eye instillations.
- Avoid instilling any eye medication directly onto the cornea
- Avoid touching the eyelids or other eye structures with eye droppers or ointment tubes
- Use medication only for the patient’s affected eye
- Never allow a patient to use another patient’s eye medications
Describe the procedure for instilling ear drops.
HELP
Failure to instill ear drops at room temperature causes.
Vertigo, dizziness, and nausea.
Vaginal medications are available as:
- Suppositories
- Foam
- Jellies
- Creams
Rectal suppositories are used for
exerting local effects (promoting defecation) or systemic effects (reducing nausea)
types of inhalation inhalers
Pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs).
Breath-actuated metered-dose inhalers (BAIs).
Dry powder inhalers (DPIs)
Pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs)
Delivers a measured dose of medication with each push of a canister often used with a spacer
Breath-actuated metered-dose inhalers (BAIs)
Releases medication when a patient raises a level and then inhales
Dry powder inhalers (DPIs)
Hold dry, powered medication and create an aerosol when the patient inhales through a reservoir that contains the medication
