Medication Abbreviations and Guidelines

Medication Abbreviations

• HS or qhs represents "hour of sleep" or "bedtime."
• bid or BID stands for "twice a day."
• sq or SQ indicates "subcutaneous."
• qod or QOD means "every other day."
• qd or QD refers to "once a day."
• gm denotes "gram," whereas mg represents "milligram."
• pc signifies "after meals."
• OTC stands for "over-the-counter."
• po means "by mouth."
• q indicates "every."
• ac refers to "before meals."
• qid or QID denotes "four times a day."
• tsp signifies "teaspoonful."
• prn or PRN means "as needed."
• Tbsp represents "tablespoonful."
• tid or TID stands for "three times a day."
• ml represents "milliliter."
• oz indicates "ounce."
• MAR stands for "medication administration record."

Medication Guidelines and Responsibilities

• Medication orders must be accurately reflected on the MAR.
• Residents' rights include the ability to refuse medications.
• Staff must have the skill validated by a registered nurse or pharmacist to administer medications.
• Document all actions related to medication administration, including refusals.
• Oral medications should be stored separately from other types.
• Always obtain clarity on unclear abbreviations from healthcare professionals.

Medication Errors and Administration

• Never administer discolored or expired medications.
• Confirm medication orders against the MAR multiple times.
• PRN medications should match physician's specified reasons and frequencies.
• Medications from prescriptions must be handled according to prescribed policies.
• Ensure that the medication administration does not interfere with resident schedules unnecessarily.

Special Considerations

• Allergic reactions can be serious and should always be reported.
• When in doubt regarding any medication or dosage, consult the supervising nurse or physician.
• For medications with specific timing, ensure administration aligns with prescription timing guidelines (e.g., 30 minutes before meals).
• Self-administration of medications by residents requires proper protocols to prevent misuse or errors.

Measuring and Recording Medications

• Utilize appropriate measuring devices (e.g., medication cups, droppers) for liquid measurements.
• Always secure medications in a locked state if stored in a refrigerator accessible to residents.
• Document all administration and observations on the MAR accurately.

Promotions of Safety and Health

• Assess residents for swallowing difficulties, and notify supervisors when issues arise.
• Encourage dialogues with residents regarding their medications to ensure understanding and compliance.
• Maintain updated allergy information on the MAR and within the resident’s records.
• Follow facility policies rigorously to ensure resident safety concerning medication management.

Test your knowledge of common medication abbreviations and important guidelines for medication administration. This quiz will help ensure that you understand the essential terms and responsibilities related to medication management. Perfect for nursing students and healthcare professionals!