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.