Administering Medications in Nursing: Kozier & Erb's Fundamentals of Nursing

Study Notes

Administering Medications

Identify the client using at least two patient identifiers
Inform the client of the intended action, potential side effects, and adverse effects
Administer the drug, provide assistive interventions as needed, and record the drug administered
Evaluate the client's response to the drug

Ten “Rights” of Accurate Medication Administration

Right medication
Right dose
Right time
Right route
Right client
Right client education
Right documentation

Developmental Considerations

Growth and development are crucial in administering medication to very young and very old patients
Infants and children have the right to refuse, right assessment, and right evaluation
Medications for infants and children are often provided in sweetened liquid form and should not be mixed with milk or orange juice
Be honest with children about injections hurting

Oral Medications

NPO stands for “nothing by mouth” or Latin “nil per os”
Oral is the most common route, preferred unless there is a digestive problem
Tablets can be divided using a cutting device
Liquid medications can be poured from a bottle

Nasogastric and Gastrostomy Medications

Check with a pharmacist for liquid form availability
Check if medication can be crushed
Use a nasogastric tube or gastrostomy tube as prescribed

Adding Medications to Intravenous Fluid Containers

Label the IV infusion and IV tubing change
Rotate the IV bag to distribute the medication

Administering Intravenous Medications Using IV Push

Insert the needle through the diaphragm of an IV lock
Use a watch to time the rate of medication injection

Inhaled Medications

Use a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) to deliver medication to the lungs
Client teaching includes:
- Remove mouthpiece cap
- Exhale comfortably
- Hold canister upside down
- Press down once and inhale slowly and deeply through the mouth
- Hold breath for 10 seconds or as long as possible
Remove inhaler away from mouth after use
Exhale slowly through pursed lips
Repeat inhalation if ordered
Rinse mouth with tap water
Clean MDI mouthpiece after each use

Description

Test your knowledge on the process of administering medications in a nursing setting, based on Kozier & Erb's Fundamentals of Nursing. Identify the client, prepare the medication, and administer the medication safely. Evaluate your understanding of the concepts and practices involved in medication administration.