Topic 1 - Safe and Effective Drug Administration Flashcards
Before you administer the drug to your patient what should your actions be?
o Infection control: handwashing
o Introduce yourself to the patient
o Gain consent
o Maintain privacy and dignity
What are the 6R’s?
Right patient - check patient identity drug chart and wrist band. Verbalises the details with patient. Checks allergy status
Right drug - generic drug name, no abbreviations, legible, expiry date, prescription matches the drug packaging. Medication suitable for patient and condition.
Right dose - understands the usual dose for the drug in relation to the condition being treated. Accurate calculation skills, clear and legible
Right time - check timings align with frequency of prescription, special instructions re timings.
Right route - one route only on the drug chart, is it the right route for the drug and the patient?
Right documentation - nurse administering the medication must sign drug chart once the drug has been administered. Understands how to document refusal of medication.
What are other skills and knowledge needed to ensure nurses administer meds safely?
Knowledge of the patient and their condition, and knowledge of the medication
What knowledge is needed about the patient?
o Medical status – diagnosis, likely trajectory and stage of the illness, body weight and height
o The allergy and sensitivity status of the patient
o The preferences of the patient
o Supporting children and parents/ carers to be involved in the administration of medication
o Answering questions from the child and family
o Ensuring the child understands and is prepared to receive the medication
o Encouraging compliance – from the child and parents / carers
o Monitoring of the patient (before/during/ after drug administration administration)
o Patient advice/ education
What knowledge is needed about the medication?
The dosage, strength, alternative name, contra-indications, side effects, calculations, how to order, store, prepare and dispose of the medication, how to give the med – route and speed, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drug, and specific knowledge about the med, half-life and if blood levels are required
What are the legal requirements for a valid drug prescription?
Name of the drug (generic)
Dose
Frequency of administration
Start and finish date (if appropriate)
Route of administration (one only)
Signature of prescriber
Allergies/ previous drug reactions noted
Special instructions are clear and unambiguous
Clear and legible writing
