Unit 7: Medication Administration Flashcards
Name the 7 rights of medication administration.
1) Right Medication
2) Right Patient
3) Right Time
4) Right Route
5) Right Amount
6) Right Documentation
7) Right Reason
How does the nurse identify the patient to receive medication?
Ask pt to state their name, and check against ID band.
The medication is due at 0800. What times can the nurse give the medication and still be considered on time?
0730-0830.
How many times does the nurse check the medication for name and dose before administering it to the patient?
3 times.
State the three times the nurse will check the medication for accurate medication and dose.
1) Check medication label as you take it from storage.
2) Check medication as you prepare it.
3) Recheck the label on the container before returning to its storage place.
Check the label on the medication against the MAR before opening the package at the bedside.
When preparing medications, how does the nurse read the MAR?
Prepare medications for one patient at a time starting from the top of the MAR to the bottom gathering those medications to be administered at the present time.
When does the nurse open unit-dose medications?
When at the bedside.
How should the nurse handle medications that must be obtained from a stock bottle?
Pour the required number into the bottle cap and place into a disposable medication cup. DO NOT TOUCH MEDICATION WITH YOUR FINGERS.
How does the nurse break a scored table?
With a cutting device.
What considerations are made when crushing medications?
Sustained action, enteric coated, and sublingual/buccal tablets should not be crushed.
How does the nurse prepare liquid medication?
Thoroughly mix medication, remove cap and place it upside down on cart. Hold bottle with label next to the palm and pour the medication away from the label.
At what level does the nurse place the medication cup when pouring liquid medication? Where is the medication level read?
Eye level, read at meniscus.
The patient states the medication is different then what they have been receiving. What action does the nurse take?
Check the original order written by the physician before administering medication.
What considerations are made when administering medications through and enteral feeding tube?
Each medication should be administered seperately, and flushed with 10-15 mL’s of water between each drug.
When applying Nitroglycerin topical ointment, where does the nurse apply the ointment? What should the nurse do before application?
Applied to either the chest, back, upper arm, or legs.
-Nurse should wear gloves, and shave area if needed, and apply to a different area each time.
When administering eye medications, how high does the nurse hold the eye dropper? Where is the medication placed into?
Held 1/2 to 3/4 inch above the conjunctiva sac.
What considerations does the nurse make when administering eye drops that cause systemic effects? Why?
After instillation, the nurse should apply gentle pressure to the lacrimal duct for 30-60 seconds with a tissue. This helps to prevent absorption into systemic circulation.
The nurse is administering ear medication for an adult. How does the nurse hold the pinna?
Upward and back for adults.
How does the nurse instruct the family member of a child to hold the pinna when administering ear medication?
Downward and back for children.
What is the purpose of the spacer when attached to a metered dose inhaler?
A spacer ensures fine particles are aerosolized.
After placing the spacer on the metered dose inhaler mouthpiece, what steps does the nurse take next?
1) Shake the inhaler
2) Place mouthpiece into the patient’s mouth and have them close their lips around the mouthpiece.
3) Depress the medication canister and inhale slowly and deeply through the mouth
4) Have the patient hold their breath for 5-10 seconds and slowly exhale through pursed lips.
5) Clean the spacer in warm water.
How far does the nurse insert a rectal suppository?
Approximately 4 inches past the internal sphincter.
How long does the nurse instruct the patient to retain the suppository for?
30-40 minutes.
The nurse is preparing a subcutaneous injection for the patient. What size syringe and needle will the nurse select?
1-3 ml syringe
25-28 gauge, 3/8-5/8” needle.
The nurse is preparing an intramuscular injection for the patient. What size syringe and needle does the nurse select?
3 ml syringe
21-22 gauge, 1-1.5” needle
The nurse identifies the medication vial needs to be mixed. How are vials mixed?
Rotating the vial between the palms of the hands, not by shaking.
The nurse has prepared the syringe for subcutaneous injection. What body landmarks are used for SQ injections?
1) Outer aspect of the upper arms
2) Anterior aspect of the thighs
3) Abdomen- 1” away from umbilicus, 1” away from the iliac crests, 1” away from symphysis pubis.
What site is used for heparin injections?
Abdomen only, unless otherwise ordered.
How does the nurse prevent tracking when administering heparin?
Changing the needle after drawing up the medication.
When administering heparin, the nurse realizes that, unlike other SQ injections, the needle must:
Left in place for 10 seconds after injection to allow the medication to remain in the subcutaneous.
What must the nurse do after drawing the prescribed amount of heparin into the syringe?
Validate the dose with another R.N.
What other medication SQ medication requires validation with another R.N.?
Insulin
