Medication Administration (PO)

Medication Administration (PO)

1. Safety Checks

   • Match patient ID wristband with MAR
   • Confirm DOB / name & match with MAR
   • Review medication in drug book
     • Action, indication for use, safe dose, frequency of administration, side effects, contraindications & patient education
   • Confirm that the MAR & Patient Profile Matches
   • Confirm allergies and ability to swallow

2. 8 Rights (3 checks)

   • 1. Right patient (compare pt profile to MAR)
   • 2. Right Medication (compare medication to MAR)
   • 3. Right Dose (compare med dose to MAR)
     • Use your knowledge from drug research and common sense
   • 4. Right Route
     • The right route will lead you to the right site
   • 5. Right site
   • 6. Right frequency (check with drug research that the frequency is indicated SAFE)
   • 7. Right Time
     • Make sure it is due and not already given
   • 8. Right Reason

3. Independent double check

   • Double check medication calculation using D/H XV

4. Administration

   • Place medication in water cup on tray
   • Bring water, foods or other liquids
     • Specific drugs require certain foods or drinks with the medication (e.g. milk, or foods)
   • Check if pt needs medication crushed, or if they can take it whole
   • Lock medication cart & bring MAR to bedside
   • Position patient in bed to ensure safe swallowing (90 degrees)
   • Inform pt about their medications
   • Confirm swallowing, give call bell & return 30 min later to reassess

5. Patient Teaching

   • Instructions post administration
   • Side effects
   • Review order & make sure pt understands
   • When to seek medical attention