- Create your own medication administration worksheet
Although the MAR lists medications and the times they are to be adminis-
tered, the patient may be scheduled for tests and procedures that conflict with the
medication schedule. It is best to create a medication administration worksheet
that schedules both medication and the patient’s other activities so there is one
schedule for the patient. - Check PRN (as needed) medications
It is common for some medications to be administered to the patient by the
nurse on an as needed basis (PRN) such as analgesics (pain medication). PRN
medication isn’t scheduled on the MAR but is listed in a different section of the
MAR. Therefore, the nurse must determine when PRN medication was admin-
istered and what PRN medication was administered before giving any medica-
tion. This avoids any potential interaction between medications.
PREPARING THE MEDICATION
Once the nurse is assured that the medication can be administered properly to
the patient, the nurse can administer it by following these steps:1.Wash hands. This is the best way to prevent infection.
2.Prepare medication that you are going to give at this time. Don’t prepare
all medications at once. It is possible that someone else may have to
administer the other medications. Nurses should NEVER give medication
that someone else has prepared.
3.Prepare medications in a quiet area so you are not interrupted.
4.Double check your math when calculating doses. Have a colleague verify
your calculations if necessary.
5.Make sure that all of the patient’s medications that will be administered
during the shift are in the patient’s medication drawer. Compare the con-
tents of the patient’s medication drawer against the MAR. The medication
and dose in the drawer should match the MAR.
6.Compare the medication with that listed on the MAR. Sometimes the phar-
macy substitutes a generic drug for a brand name drug. Always look up
the medication in the drug manual if you do not recognize the name of
the drug.
7.Check the name of the medication three times: 1) when you remove it from
the drawer; 2) when you prepare the medication; and 3) before returning
the medication to the drawer or disposing of the wrapper or container. If(^88) CHAPTER 5 Medication Administration