Administer Oral Medications

Summary

This video provides a detailed step-by-step guide for healthcare professionals on how to accurately calculate, prepare, and administer both solid and liquid medications to patients. It covers essential steps such as verifying medication labels, performing multiple checks, preparing medication, educating patients on potential side effects, and documenting the process. The video emphasizes patient safety, correct medication dosage, and the importance of effective communication with patients throughout the procedure.

Takeaways

• 😀 Verify medication labels: Always check the medication label against the provider's order for the correct name, form, route, and expiration date.
• 😀 Perform calculations if needed: If the medication order does not specify the amount, calculate the correct dosage based on the label and order.
• 😀 Hand hygiene: Always wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before preparing medications.
• 😀 Prepare medications in separate cups: Use a marker to write the medication name and dose on the cups, ensuring not to cover measurement markings.
• 😀 Perform a second medication check: Recheck the medication label against the order before administering it to the patient.
• 😀 Handle solid medications carefully: Pour the correct number of tablets into the medication bottle cover and ensure not to contaminate it.
• 😀 Handle liquid medications accurately: Read the liquid measurement at eye level to ensure accuracy and pour until the correct amount is reached.
• 😀 Perform the third medication check: Verify the medications against the order once again before administering them.
• 😀 Verify patient identity: Always confirm the patient’s full name and date of birth before administering the medication.
• 😀 Educate the patient: Explain the medication's purpose, side effects, and provide any necessary instructions for safe administration.

Q & A

What are the key steps to follow before preparing medication for a patient?

The key steps include selecting the right medications from the storage area, checking the medication labels against the order, verifying the name, form, route, and expiration date, and ensuring the medication is not expired using drug reference information and the provider's order.

What should be checked if the provider's order does not specify the dosage?

If the provider's order does not specify the dosage, the required amount of medication should be calculated using the order and the medication label, and the result should be verified with a peer in the workplace.

What personal hygiene step should be taken before preparing the medication?

Before preparing the medication, it is important to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.

How should medication cups be prepared for use?

Medication cups should be labeled with the medication name and dose using a marker, ensuring not to write over the measurement markings on the plastic cup. Additionally, any required assessments should be indicated on the cup.

What should be done if too many tablets are poured into the medication cover?

If too many tablets are poured into the cover, they should be poured back into the bottle. Once the correct number of tablets is in the cover, they should be poured into the cup.

What is the proper technique for measuring liquid medication?

When measuring liquid medication, the plastic medication cup should be placed on an even surface. The bottle cover should be removed, and the medication poured into the cup until the lowest point of the meniscus reaches the required amount. The measurement should be read at eye level for accuracy.

How should you handle the cover of the medication bottle when preparing liquid medication?

The cover of the medication bottle should be placed on the counter with the inside facing up. It should not be contaminated when being replaced on the bottle after measuring the liquid.

What is the procedure for verifying the medication before administering it to the patient?

Before administering the medication, a third label check should be performed to ensure the right medication, form, and route are verified. The medication cups should also be checked against the provider's order for accuracy.

What is the importance of verifying the patient's identity before medication administration?

Verifying the patient's identity is crucial to ensure the correct patient receives the correct medication. This includes confirming their full name and date of birth, and ensuring the patient's information matches the order and the record.

What should be done if the patient refuses to take the medication?

If the patient refuses the medication, you should respectfully ask the reason for the refusal and notify the provider.