LEC 6: Introduction to Medication Administration Flashcards
What is the RNs role when administering medication?
- Knowing what medications are prescribed
- The therapeutic and non-therapeutic effects
- The medications’ associated nursing implications
- Determining whether a medication is safe to administer based on physical assessment data
- Knowing why the patient needs the medication
- Determining of the patient requires supervision with administration and education
- Monitoring the effects of the drugs
- Reporting and documenting administration and effects
What is the prescriber’s role when aministering medications?
- Prescriber can be the physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant
- Orders can be written, verbal, or by telephone
What do you do if an order is given verbally?
If given a verbal order, need to write it down on a verbal order sheet and document
What do you do if an order if given by telephone?
If given an order by telephone, need to write on the order sheet
What are the types of orders in acute care agencies?
- Routine
- Single one-time
- Now
- PRN
- STAT
- Protocol order
Order: Routine
Administered until the dosage is changed or another medications is prescribed
- Dose not change and is given on a schedule
Order: Single One-Time
Given one time only for a specific resason
Order: Now
When a medication is needed right away, but not STAT
- When it comes up from pharmacy/ when you get it
Order: PRN
Given when the client requires it
- When patient ask’s for it or when the RN offers
Order: STAT
Given immediately in an emergency
Order: Protocol Order
Set of criteria and orders under which a medication is to be administered
- Two types of protocol orders: Insulin and Heparin
What are the two types of protocol orders?
- Insulin order
- Based on patient’s sugar levels
- Structured set of instructions based on patient’s blood sugar levels - Heparin order
- Looking for APPTT
- Adjust heparin based on protocol order/ clotting factor APTT
What is the pharmacy’s role for medication administration?
- Is to prepare and distribute medications
- Assess for safety of medication for patient
- Make sure there are no allergies
- Make sure there is no drug interactions
*In small hospitals RNs can be the “pharmacists”
What are the three ways for drugs to be distributed?
Distributed System
- Stock supply
- Unit dose
- Automatic dispensing
Distributed System: Stock Supply
Large supply of medications commonly used on unit
- May be different for each unit
Distributed System: Unite Dose
Individually packaged medication
Distributed System: Automatic Dispensing System
Automated computer system that releases the right medication, at the right time, for the correct patient
What do you need a double signature for?
Need double signature to get narcotics out of drawer