Best Practices in Medication Administration
Medication administration is a delicate nursing task that necessitates critical thinking, effective decision-making skills, and an extensive understanding of basic pharmacology. Errors that occur during medication administration can have grave consequences for patients, so healthcare professionals must adhere to best practices in order to reduce the likelihood of such incidents.
Know Your Medications
Medicine management is an integral component of patient healthcare. Neglecting to take the correct dosage or combining medication training can result in serious side effects and complications.
People often take multiple prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for various conditions. It can be challenging to remember all your medications and how they affect your health.
Maintaining a list of all your medications is an effective way to stay organized. This should include both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, and supplements.
Create a medication schedule to help you remember when to take your medicines. This could be done with either a calendar or chart. Alternatively, set alarms on your phone for prompt reminders as well.
Know Your Patients
When administering medications safely and effectively, knowing your patients is paramount. Get to know their medical history, build trust by developing a rapport, and ensure they feel understood.
It is essential to comprehend your patient's adherence goals, whether they are trying to avoid side effects or remain on the prescribed dose. By understanding your patient's beliefs, you can tailor your teaching and provide support with regard to medication adherence.
Be certain of your medications, including their correct dose, form and route of administration. Doing so can help avoid mistakes such as overdosing or injury.
Know Your Tools
To take medication safely, the organization is key. Use tools such as a pill box or planner, spreadsheets, lists and apps to keep track of all your medications.
Medication errors are a leading cause of emergency department visits among children, often caused when people don't know how much medicine to give. To minimize the likelihood of making an error, use a dosing tool that has milliliter markings on it.
Dosing tools include oral syringes, dosing spoons, droppers and medicine cups. If you do not have access to a dosing tool of your own, ask your pharmacist or doctor for one.
Know Your Medication Orders
No matter your experience level, administering medications correctly is a critical aspect of providing quality healthcare. By adhering to the five "rights" (using the correct drug at the correct dose via the right route at the correct time and in an accurate manner), you can guarantee your patients receive the best possible care.
To properly administer medications, the first step is understanding your medication orders. These orders should be written by a practitioner specifically for each drug being administered and should include the correct dosage, route of administration, and time of administration.
Medication orders can be written, typed or verbal and will be transcribed onto physician order sheets, scanned to the pharmacy, and entered into your computer system. If you receive a medication order verbally, be sure to write it down and read it back before administering any medications.
Know Your Routines
Adhering to medication instructions as prescribed is critical for keeping you healthy and can save money in the long run. Unfortunately, some patients neglect to take their medications due to forgetfulness or confusing regimens.
One way to stay organized when taking medications is by creating a list. Be sure to include the names, effects, and why each medicine should be taken.
Additionally, be sure to incorporate your medications into a consistent daily routine. It could be as easy as brushing your teeth in the morning or getting ready for bed at night, or it could involve more complex tasks like tracking your medication calendar on paper or through an app. It all comes down to being organized and disciplined! Plus, this will save time and money in the long run!
Know Your Medication Labels
When administering either over-the-counter (OTC) medication or a prescription drug, understanding its label can help ensure safe and efficient administration. Unfortunately, drug labels can be complex, with not all being created equal.
The Institute of Medicine has indicated that patient misinterpretation of instructions on prescription containers may result in medication errors and adverse health outcomes.
Medication labels often lack standardization and contain complex language that may be difficult to interpret for those with limited health literacy, making them especially inaccessible.
One pharmacy chain's labels stand out from the rest by being easy to read and providing lots of information. The large typeface, small pharmacy details, and multiple warnings and instructions all work together to make the label easy to navigate.
Know Your Patient’s History
Recording the patient's medical history is a fundamental element of any healthcare provider's job. This helps them comprehend the patient's current condition and create an individualized treatment plan that works best for them.
It is essential to know the patient's medical history in order to safely and effectively administer medications. Doing this can prevent many issues, such as allergic reactions or accidentally administering a medication they don't want or need.
When taking the patient's medical history, it is essential to ask questions clearly and concisely. Furthermore, pay close attention to their answers so you can gather all relevant information - this will be beneficial for both your practice and the patient's well-being. Furthermore, make sure you take notes throughout this process so you can refer back to them later on.
Know Your Medication Schedule
Adhering to your medication schedule can be challenging, but it's essential for successful treatment outcomes. Studies have demonstrated that medication adherence plays a significant role in these outcomes.
When taking your medication, try to take it at the same time each day if possible. Otherwise, make sure you take it immediately after eating or just before bed.
Keep a record of all your medications on paper or in a pillbox. Label each one with an image so it's easy to distinguish them apart.
Keep a calendar handy to remind yourself when to take your morning, mid-day and evening pills. Set an alert on your phone so that each pill is taken at its designated time.
Before heading out to the pharmacy, double-check your medications for expiration dates and refill information. If a certain medication is running low on its prescribed quantity, contact your pharmacist as soon as possible to request a refill.
Know Your Medication Routes
The route of medication administration is an essential factor for medication safety. It dictates how the drug enters your bloodstream and ultimately determines its effectiveness.
There are four primary routes of medication administration: oral, intravenous, subcutaneous and nasal. Each route has a distinct pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile which impacts the safety of the drug.
Nurses must recognize the potential contraindications to each route of administration. For instance, oral medication should be avoided in patients who are sick or vomiting.
