Medication Administration

Question 1

Before Medication Administration

Answer 1

1. Count controlled medication
2. Read the communication log if applicable for any medication related issues that
   may affect medication administration including: scheduled appointments and
   lab work, recent health related concerns or changes in condition
3. Review any new medication orders, check to ensure that all information is
   complete
4. Ensure familiarity with new medications, this may require reviewing the medication in a drug reference book or a reputable online resource

Question 2

During Medication Administration

Answer 2

1. Perform hand-hygiene
2. Approach the task calmly without any distractions
3. Assemble appropriate equipment necessary for medication administration to a single individual (pre-pouring medications for multiple individuals at one time is not allowed)
4. Unlock secured medication storage area (i.e., drawer, cabinet, closet, etc.)
5. While pouring the medication ensure that the 5-Rights are correct (follow
   agency-specific policy to verify accuracy)
6. Ensure medication is locked/secured
7. Identify the correct person per agency policy
8. Administer the medication according to proper technique.
9. Check that the individual has swallowed the medication per agency procedure

Question 3

After Administration

Answer 3

1. Ensure that all documentation is completed accurately
2. Double check documentation for accuracy and completion 3. Ensure the area is cleaned
3. Perform hand hygiene

Question 4

Refusal of meds

Answer 4

1. All individuals, regardless of their age, have the right to refuse their medication
2. Some medications may be medically necessary for an individual’s well- being and could cause harm if refused
3. If an individual refuse their medication, make attempts at offering the medication again during the allowed time frame for administration, but do not force or coerce the individual to take it
4. If an individual continues to refuse their medication beyond the allowed time frame for administration, label and secure the medication, and follow the agency’s policy regarding notifying the nurse or contacting the chain of command and documenting the medication refusal

Question 5

When not to Administer Medications

Answer 5

1. There is no current or valid prescriber’s order for the medication
2. The medication label cannot be read or there is no label on the medication
3. The time is outside of the allowed time frame for medication administration
   (1- hour before and 1-hour after the medication is due)
4. The medication is in the incorrect form (i.e., the order specifies the medication
   is to be given by mouth and a suppository is available)
5. There is a change in the person’s level of consciousness (i.e., the person has a seizure and is not alert during the post-ictal period), or the individual’s
   condition has changed (vomiting, shortness of breath, rash, etc.)
6. If ANY of the 5-Rights do not match on the Licensed Practitioner’s order, MAR,
   and the Pharmacy Label

Question 6

Self-Administration of Medications

Answer 6

1. Each agency has policies and procedures for assessing if an individual has the ability to self-administer their medications.
2. An assessment, by a registered nurse (RN), or a primary care practitioner is generally completed to determine the individual’s ability to administer medications with or without assistance.
3. In some cases, a teaching strategy or monitoring process may be implemented for staff to assist the individual.
4. A Licensed Prescriber must write an order for the individual to self-administer medications.