ADMINISTERING MEDICATION AT HOME
The nurse is responsible for educating the patient on how to self-medicate at
home by providing the do’s and don’ts of administering the medication. The
nurse must explain the following:- Store the medication properly. Some medication, such as insulin, must be
refrigerated. - Always label the date and time when the medication was opened.
- Keep the medication in a locked cabinet away from the reach of children.
- Explain the reason the patient is taking the medication and how often the
medication is given. - Explain what to do if the patient misses a dose.
- Describe the signs and symptoms of the toxic effect of the medication if
the patient takes more than the prescribed dose. - Describe the signs and symptoms of side effects and adverse reactions that
might occur when taking the medication. - Explain negative interactions the medication might have with certain
foods. - Develop a system for self-medication for patients who have poor eyesight
and decreased mental capacity. For example, the patient can use specially
marked containers for each day of the week. A relative or friend can fill
those containers with the appropriate medication. The patient is then taught
to open the proper container each day. - Give the patient a list of medication, dose, and frequency and the name of
the prescriber so the patient can keep the list in a wallet or pocketbook. - Suggest that the patient wear a MedicAlert bracelet or other jewelry that
identifies the patient as having allergies or chronic illnesses.
Evaluating the Patient After
Administering Medication
The nurse must assess the patient after the patient is given medication to
determine if the medication has had the desired therapeutic effect. To do this,
the nurse compares the patient’s current vital signs, labs, and other pertinent
patient data with baseline information. The patient should also be assessed
after the medication has reached its onset and peak time. Early or late assess-(^92) CHAPTER 5 Medication Administration