Medication Administration Checks/Rights

Summary

This video demonstrates the detailed process of medication administration in a healthcare setting. It covers essential steps such as patient identification, checking for allergies, assessing the appropriateness of prescribed medications, and verifying doses. The healthcare provider performs thorough checks on both medications (atenolol and hydrochlorothiazide), engages with the patient to ensure they understand the medications, and completes the process with proper documentation. The video emphasizes the importance of patient safety, accurate administration, and clear communication throughout the procedure.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hand hygiene is the first step in medication administration.
• 😀 The nurse accesses the patient's electronic medical record to check for allergies, current medications, and vital information.
• 😀 Skyler Hansen, the patient, has an allergy to iodine, which is taken into account during medication administration.
• 😀 The nurse checks the appropriateness of each prescribed medication based on the patient's medical history and condition (e.g., atenolol for hypertension).
• 😀 A thorough assessment of vital signs (blood pressure and heart rate) is performed before administering medications like atenolol.
• 😀 Potassium levels are checked before administering hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic, to ensure safe administration.
• 😀 The nurse performs a first check of medications, verifying the patient's name, medication name, dosage, and expiration date before preparation.
• 😀 A second check is performed after leaving the medication room, confirming the rights of medication administration (e.g., patient identity, drug name, dosage, timing).
• 😀 The nurse asks the patient to verify their identity (name and birthdate) before medication administration, ensuring the correct patient receives the medication.
• 😀 The nurse explains each medication to the patient, ensuring they understand the purpose and effects (e.g., atenolol for hypertension, hydrochlorothiazide as a diuretic).

Q & A

What is the first step in the medication administration process?

The first step is to perform hand hygiene before entering the medication room.

Why is it important to check the patient's allergies before administering medication?

It is important to check the patient's allergies to avoid administering medications that could trigger an allergic reaction, as seen with Skyler's iodine allergy.

What medications are Skyler Hansen prescribed at this time?

Skyler Hansen is prescribed atenolol 25 mg at 8 a.m. and hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg at 9 a.m.

How do you determine if the medications are appropriate for the patient?

The appropriateness is assessed by reviewing the patient's medical conditions, such as hypertension and pneumonia, and ensuring that the prescribed medications, like atenolol and hydrochlorothiazide, are suitable for those conditions.

What assessments are done before administering the medications?

Before administering medications, the nurse checks the patient's blood pressure, heart rate, and potassium levels, ensuring they are within acceptable ranges for safe medication administration.

Why is it necessary to check the expiration date and package integrity of the medications?

Checking the expiration date ensures the medication is still effective, and confirming the package integrity ensures that the medication has not been tampered with or damaged.

What steps are involved in the second medication check?

The second medication check involves verifying the patient’s name, the medication name, dosage, time, and checking for any allergies before giving the medications.

How is the patient's identity confirmed before giving medication?

The nurse confirms the patient's identity by asking them to state their name and date of birth, verifying it against the patient's armband and medical records.

What role does the nurse play in educating the patient about their medications?

The nurse educates the patient by explaining the purpose of the medications, such as describing atenolol as a beta-blocker for hypertension and hydrochlorothiazide as a diuretic, and discussing the expected effects like increased urination.

How does the nurse ensure safe medication administration during the process?

The nurse ensures safety by performing multiple checks, including verifying the patient’s details, confirming the medication information, checking vitals and lab results, and ensuring the patient understands the medications they are receiving.