Lesson Summary

Question 1

What is a medication?

Answer 1

Any compound that changes the chemical activity within the human body

Question 2

What is a Legend drug?

Answer 2

Medication that can only be dispensed with a prescription

Question 3

What is a Non-Legend drug?

Answer 3

Medication that can be purchased without a prescription, also known as OTC medications.

Question 4

What are two NAMES for medication

Answer 4

Generic names
Brand names

Question 5

What are scheduled medications?

Answer 5

Controlled substances. These medications could be dangerous or have a high potential for abuse and addiction. Ex. Narcotics, Depressants, Stimulants, and Psychedelic medications.

Question 6

What are the three main things medications do?

Answer 6

Treat, cure, or control an illness
Relieve symptoms like pain
Prevent disease

Question 7

What are the six personal characteristics that can affect a medications action?

Answer 7

Age
Size
Sex
Genetic inheritance
Physical condition
Emotional conditionin

Question 8

What are some extra factors that might affect response to a medication?

Answer 8

Route of administration
Time of day the medication is given
Number of medications a person takes and size of dose
Environmental conditions

Question 9

What are medication side effects?

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

When does a medication interaction occur?

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

When does an Allergic reaction happen?

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

What are the 7 routes of meditation administration?

Answer 12

Inhalation
Oral
Sublingual
Rectal
Vaginal
Injection
Topical

Question 13

Where is the medication administered if the RN says “Oral”?

Answer 13

Taken by mouth an swallowed.

Question 14

Where is the medication administered if the RN says “Sublingual”?

Answer 14

Placed under the tongue.

Question 15

Where is the medication administered if the RN says “Topical” ?

Answer 15

Applied directly to skin or mucous membrane.

Question 16

Where is the medication administered if the RN says “Rectal”?

Answer 16

Inserted into the rectum.

Question 17

Where is the medication administered if the RN says “Vaginal”?

Answer 17

Inserted into the vagina.

Question 18

Where is the medication administered if the RN says “Inhalation”?

Answer 18

Sprayed or inhaled into the nose, throat and lungs.

Question 19

Where is the medication administered if the RN says “Injection”?

Answer 19

Piercing the skin with a needle and putting medication into a muscle, under the skin, or into a vein.

Question 20

What are the four most common packaging types for medications?

Answer 20

Vials or bottles
Bubble packs
Medication organizers
Unit dose packaging

Question 21

All labels should include what?

Answer 21

Client name
Medication name
Dose
Route
Schedule
Expiration date

Question 22

What are you doing in medication assistance?

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

What are you doing in medication assistance under nurse delegation?

Answer 23

You are administering the medication as delegated by the RN. Only HCAs NACs and NARs under delegation can preform medication administration.

Question 24

What are the 5 rights of medication administration?

Answer 24

Right client
Right medication
Right dose
Right route
Right time

Question 25

What are the 5 steps of medication administration?

Answer 25

Evaluate the client
Set up the medication
Administer the medication
Document the medication administration
Observe the client for side effects

Question 26

What are two client rights when being given medication?

Answer 26

Right to refuse medications or treatments
Right to privacy when medications are administered. (Privacy of medical records and health information)

Question 27

What “special situations” do you need to discuss with your delegating RN so you are prepared?

Answer 27

The client declines medication
You make or discover a medication error

Question 28

How should medications be stored?

Answer 28

In their original containers, with the legible, original label.

Question 29

Where should Non-refrigerated medications be kept?

Answer 29

In a dry place, not warmer than 85°F

Question 30

How should refrigerated medications be stored?

Answer 30

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.

Question 31

What do you do with discontinued medication?

Answer 31

Dispose of it.
Ask the client or representative, how he/she would like you to dispose of the medication

Question 32

What do you do with discontinued medication in a facility?

Answer 32

Document the outcome when you dispose of medications. You and a witness must sign the medication disposition form.