- Instruct the patient about side effects of the medication and take pre-
cautions to assure the patient’s safety such as raising the side rails and
instructing the patient to remain in bed until the side effects subside. - Stay with the patient until all the medications are swallowed. Remember
that the patient has the right to refuse medication. Notify the prescriber
if this occurs. - Properly dispose of the medication and supplies used to administer the
medication. Don’t leave the medication at the patient’s bedside unless
required by the medication order. - Wash hands before leaving the patient’s room.
- Document in the MAR that you administered the medication to the
patient.
HANDY TIPS WHEN ADMINISTERING
MEDICATIONMedication can taste bad. You can minimize this adverse effect by giving the
patient ice chips prior to administering the medication. Ice chips numb the taste
buds so the patient is unable to taste the medication.
Give bad-tasting medications first followed by pleasant-tasting liquids. This
shortens the time the patient experiences the bad taste. The patient is left with
the taste of the pleasant tasting medication in his/her mouth. Use the liquid form
of the medication where possible because patients find it easier to ingest a liq-
uid. Offer water after giving a medication if it is not contraindicated.
Administer medication to a patient who needs extra assistance taking the
medication after you give medication to your other patients. In this way, you can
devote the necessary time to assist this patient without being pressured to admin-
ister medication to your other patients.AVOID MEDICATION ERRORS
Medication errors are the most common cause of patient injuries in a hospital. It
is therefore critical that the nurse avoid situations that frequently result in med-
ication errors. If an error occurs, assess the patient and notify the nurse
in charge and the physician. Follow your hospital’s policy for preparing an inci-
dent report. Review the steps that caused the error to occur.(^90) CHAPTER 5 Medication Administration