Lesson Summary Flashcards
What is a medication?
Any compound that changes the chemical activity within the human body
What is a Legend drug?
Medication that can only be dispensed with a prescription
What is a Non-Legend drug?
Medication that can be purchased without a prescription, also known as OTC medications.
What are two NAMES for medication
Generic names
Brand names
What are scheduled medications?
Controlled substances. These medications could be dangerous or have a high potential for abuse and addiction. Ex. Narcotics, Depressants, Stimulants, and Psychedelic medications.
What are the three main things medications do?
Treat, cure, or control an illness
Relieve symptoms like pain
Prevent disease
What are the six personal characteristics that can affect a medications action?
Age
Size
Sex
Genetic inheritance
Physical condition
Emotional conditionin
What are some extra factors that might affect response to a medication?
Route of administration
Time of day the medication is given
Number of medications a person takes and size of dose
Environmental conditions
What are medication side effects?
Unintended effects of medications on the body that are not part of the goal of medication therapy. Ex: Dizziness, Headache, Insomnia, Nausea, and Upset stomach.
When does a medication interaction occur?
When the administration of one medication given before, at the same time, or after another medication alters the effect of one or both medications. The effect of one or both medications may be either increased or decreased.
When does an Allergic reaction happen?
When the body’s immune system reacts to a medication in a way that causes the body to produce chemicals that cause itching, swelling, muscle spasms, and can lead to throat and airway tightening. The reaction can range from mild to life threatening.
What are the 7 routes of meditation administration?
Inhalation
Oral
Sublingual
Rectal
Vaginal
Injection
Topical
Where is the medication administered if the RN says “Oral”?
Taken by mouth an swallowed.
Where is the medication administered if the RN says “Sublingual”?
Placed under the tongue.
Where is the medication administered if the RN says “Topical” ?
Applied directly to skin or mucous membrane.
Where is the medication administered if the RN says “Rectal”?
Inserted into the rectum.
Where is the medication administered if the RN says “Vaginal”?
Inserted into the vagina.
Where is the medication administered if the RN says “Inhalation”?
Sprayed or inhaled into the nose, throat and lungs.
Where is the medication administered if the RN says “Injection”?
Piercing the skin with a needle and putting medication into a muscle, under the skin, or into a vein.
What are the four most common packaging types for medications?
Vials or bottles
Bubble packs
Medication organizers
Unit dose packaging
All labels should include what?
Client name
Medication name
Dose
Route
Schedule
Expiration date
What are you doing in medication assistance?
Helping the client to self-administer their medication only as much as they need to complete the task for themselves. The client is aware they’re taking medication.
What are you doing in medication assistance under nurse delegation?
You are administering the medication as delegated by the RN. Only HCAs NACs and NARs under delegation can preform medication administration.
What are the 5 rights of medication administration?
Right client
Right medication
Right dose
Right route
Right time
What are the 5 steps of medication administration?
Evaluate the client
Set up the medication
Administer the medication
Document the medication administration
Observe the client for side effects
What are two client rights when being given medication?
Right to refuse medications or treatments
Right to privacy when medications are administered. (Privacy of medical records and health information)
What “special situations” do you need to discuss with your delegating RN so you are prepared?
The client declines medication
You make or discover a medication error
How should medications be stored?
In their original containers, with the legible, original label.
Where should Non-refrigerated medications be kept?
In a dry place, not warmer than 85°F
How should refrigerated medications be stored?
35-50°F. Safest to keep medication in a zip lock style plastic bag or other leak-proof container such as a locking metal tackle box. Keep away from food storage.
What do you do with discontinued medication?
Dispose of it.
Ask the client or representative, how he/she would like you to dispose of the medication
What do you do with discontinued medication in a facility?
Document the outcome when you dispose of medications. You and a witness must sign the medication disposition form.
