A nurse should use how many methods to identify the client before administering the medication?
Nurses reach out to me regularly with questions concerning medication administration and preparation.One reader asked about a nurse’s responsibilities when drawing up an injectible medication but not administering it, and specifically wanted to know about the documentation duties affiliated with the draw-up. Show
Proper preparation and medication administrationOne of the first general principles in medication administration that a nurse must adhere to is to personally prepare any medications properly ordered for a patient and to personally administer those medications. Although there may be instances in which more than one healthcare provider may be required to administer a single medication, such as in a code, it is not generally acceptable practice to prepare any type of medication for another person to administer. Nor is it acceptable practice to administer a medication that another has prepared. The reasons for this strict rule are numerous. First and foremost, because preparation and administration are fraught with potential for error, relying on another nurse to prepare a medication that you administer is dangerous at best.
If there is a patient injury or death because of an incorrect drug or an incorrect amount given, both you and your colleague will be named in a suit filed by that patient or the patient’s family. During the judicial process, the two of you most likely will be at odds with each other, as your colleague will steadfastly state he or she prepared the drug as ordered while you try to convince the jury otherwise. Explore Your Higher Education OptionsIn addition, since you administered a medication you did not personally prepare, you will need to overcome the testimony of a nurse expert that a general, cardinal rule in administering medications is that one never administers a drug not personally prepared. Responsible and truthful documentationA second reason this rule is important is the fact that along with personally preparing and administering a medication, the nurse doing so is also responsible for the proper, accurate and truthful documentation of the medication administered. This responsibility speaks to a nurse’s accountability when preparing, administering and documenting medications given.
Falsification of any record is a serious allegation that can result in an employee being fired or reported to the state board of nursing. And if a patient injury or death occurs because of the medication administered and its surrounding false documentation, a verdict against those involved in the professional negligence or wrongful death suit is very likely. Following the basic rule coupled with the “8 rights of medication administration” — right patient, right dose, right medication, right route, right time, right reason, right response and right documentation — can help you avoid medication administration errors. Discover how Nurse.com can help you find your next dream job. Dealing with the guilt of leaving your jobNextUCSF telephone discharge program poster wins national honorOur legal information columnist Nancy J. Brent, MS, JD, RN, concentrates her solo law practice in health law and legal representation, consultation, and education for healthcare professionals, school of nursing faculty and healthcare delivery facilities. Brent has conducted many seminars on legal issues and has published extensively in the area of law and nursing practice. She brings more than 30 years of experience to her role of legal information columnist. Her posts are designed for educational purposes only and are not to be taken as specific legal or other advice. Individuals who need advice on a specific incident or work situation should contact a nurse attorney or attorney in their state. What is the proper way to identify a patient before administering a medication?Verify two patient identifiers—every patient, every time. To prevent instances of mis-identification and near-miss error, The Joint Commission requires that two identifiers—such as a patient's full name, date of birth and/or medical identification (ID) number—be used for every patient encounter.
What are the 4 methods by which a medication can be taken?Techniques involved in each route of medication administration are different, and some of the important points are summarized as follows:. Intravenous Route. ... . Intramuscular Route. ... . Subcutaneous Route. ... . Rectal Route. ... . Vaginal Route. ... . Inhaled Route.. What are the 3 checks before giving medication?WHAT ARE THE THREE CHECKS? Checking the: – Name of the person; – Strength and dosage; and – Frequency against the: Medical order; • MAR; AND • Medication container.
What 6 actions should be taken before medication administration?The right patient. The right medication (drug) The right dose. The right route.. Position patient appropriately for medication administration.. Ensure proper body mechanics for health care provider.. Position patient safely and appropriately once medication is administered.. |