the medication is wrapped, then bring the wrapper with you to the patient’s
room and check the wrapper again before administering the medication to
the patient.AT THE PATIENT’S BEDSIDE
After medication is prepared, it is taken to the patient’s room where the nurse
administers the medication to the patient. In doing so, the nurse must follow
precautions to assure that the medication is administered safely. Here’s how it
is done:
- Wash your hands.
- Introduce yourself to the patient.
3.Ask the patient to state his/her complete name. Don’t assist the patient
by saying, “are you Mr. Jones.” The patient should say his/her name
without your help if possible. - Compare the patient’s name and number on the patient’s identification
band against the patient’s name and number on the MAR. - Ask the patient if he or she has any allergies to food or medication. The
patient may be aware of food allergies such as shellfish, but unaware of
allergies to medication. However, patients who are allergic to shellfish
are also allergic to some medications. - Examine the patient’s identification band to see if the patient has aller-
gies. Allergies may be noted on the identification band. - Assist the patient into a comfortable position to administer the medication.
- Ask the patient if he/she knows about the medication and why the med-
ication is being administered. The patient’s response provides insight
into knowledge the patient has about his/her condition and treatment.
This gives the nurse a perfect opportunity to educate the patient about
his/her condition, treatment and medication. - Make sure that the patient sees the medication if it is a tablet or liquid.
Stop immediately if the patient doesn’t recognize the medication as the
drug the patient received previously. Recheck the order. The dose may
have changed, a different medication was substituted, or there is an error
in the medication. - Make sure you have baseline vital signs, labs, and other patient data
before administering the medication. To determine the patient’s reaction
to the drug, the baseline can be compared to vital signs, labs, and other
patient data taken after the patient receives the medication.
CHAPTER 5 Medication Administration^89