MEDICATION BASICS Flashcards
What is required by the state in order to administer prescribed medication?
- Written statement from a medical professional detailing type, method, amount & time schedule for meds.
- Written permission from parent/ guardian
What must a written order contain?
- Student name & DOB
- Name of med. & reason it’s to be given
- Amount/ dose of med.
- Method of administration
- Time/ schedule for when the med. Should be given
- Signs/ symptoms that would necessitate giving the med.
- Whether or not the med. can be self administered
- Permission for school nurse to communicate with physician
- State parents responsibility to provide meds and supplies
- State parents responsibility to notify school of changes
If there are any changes on giving a med, what must be recieved?
Physicians contact info and any changes must be done in writing by the physician.
Where does a med order go?
In students individual med log. Each med requires its own form
IHP
Individual Health Plan. Combining info from physician and parents. Created by nurse.
How must meds be transferred?
Parents must transfer meds in original labeled container.
Where should meds be stored at school?
Secure, locked location.
What is different about controlled substance meds?
They must be counted and recorded
What do we do with unused meds at the end of the school year?
Return to parent. Nurse should dispose of them, if necessary.
Who can administer meds?
- School nurse
- Parent or non-district employee designated by parent
- Student with self amin. order
- Contacted nursing personnel
- Licensed vocational nurses under school nurse supervision
- Unlicensed school personnel (Teachers, teachers aides, etc.). Must be trained by and supervised by school nurse
USP
Unlicensed School Personnel
What should USP’s be?
- Capable and willing
- Selected by school amin
- Trained and supervised by school nurse
- certified in CPR
What types of meds should USP’s not give?
- Dose calculations
- Nursing assessment
- Injection
(Exceptions: EpiPen, other emergency injections)
What are the steps when administering meds?
- Focus on task
- Use precautions: wear gloves when in contact with bodily fluids, wash hands before and after
- Ask students name and compare to med. label & med order & container - confirm all the match
- Check me log to make sure nobody else already gave meds as scheduled
- Make sure it’s the correct time to give med.
- Check dose & method of administration & give the correct amount
- Watch student take med. with complete cup of water, if taken orally
- Never leave med. unattended
- Immediately record on med. log - time and dose of med. given
What are the 5 rights?
Right patient
Right drug
Right dose
Right time
Right route (orally/ typically)
What are the hand washing steps?
-Wash vigorously for 15 seconds
- Rinse well
- Dry thoroughly
- Turn water off with towel
- - use hand sanitizer if soap and water not available
Oral Med. Administration Steps
- Pour med into lid, then into students hand or a cup
- Fluid med.: Cup on firm surface @ eye level to read. Med. lid face up when on counter. Med. label up to avoid running and ruining label. Wipe bottle before replacing cap, if meds are spilled on bottle. - Give cup of water to help camouflage med. taste and ensure meds. have been swallowed
- Watch to ensure swallow and have lift tongue if not sure.
- Return med. to cabinet and lock
Typical Med. Administration Steps (Ointments, Savs)
- Gather necessary equipment (gloves, tongue depressor, etc.)
- Squeeze from tube or use tongue depressor
- Spread small, even, smooth amount on bandage to be placed on skin, discard tongue depressor
- Protect skin surface with a dressing
- Remove gloves and wash hands
- Return meds and lock cabinet
Always contact nurse if what 4 issues arise with meds?
- Student reacts to meds (hives, vomit)
- Student refused to take meds.
- Med. error is made
- Student needs meds. By other routes
What is required in order for a student to self administer medications at school?
- Written medical order and parent permission must state that student is allowed.
- School nurse should review procedures and monitor for safety of student’s self administering skills.
- Student cannot share meds.
How can students take medications on field trips?
Teachers are trained by the nurse to give meds on field trips. Meds must be in original bottles. Parents may give their child their meds but don’t have to go on the field trip.
