Medication Administration: Case Study

• Mr. Hudson is an older adult with diabetes and a history of hypertension who developed conjunctivitis in his right eye.
• Mr. Hudson lives alone, needs help with medications, and uses a walker for mobility.
• As per the agency care plan, the DOT assists Mr. Hudson with his 0800 medications.
• Mr. Hudson's 0800 medications include:
• 650 mg of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• 5 mg Glyburide (Diabeta)
• Polysporin (antibiotic) eye drops 1 drop to the right eye
• Documentation on the MAR (Medication Administration Record) should occur immediately after medication administration.
• Special considerations for Mr. Hudson's medication administration include:
• Giving medication with milk only
• Asking him to remove contact lenses before eye drop instillation

Client Identification

• Identifiers used include the client's full name, date of birth, and MAR to confirm medications match what is on hand.

Medication Refusal

• If a client refuses medication, one cannot force them.
• The HCA can ask why the client doesn't want to take it and try to convince them by explaining the medication would help with healing
• The refusal must be documented in the MAR and reported to the nurse.

Medication Timing

• Medications should be given at 08:00 in the morning.
• Medication times cannot be changed for convenience because it affects effectiveness and absorption.

OTC Medications

• An HCA cannot purchase over-the-counter (OTC) medications for clients without the permission of the nurse or physician.
• The concern is potential polypharmacy issues and interactions with current medications.

Diabeta

• Diabeta classification: Oral sulfonylurea antidiabetic.
• Diabeta action: Stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin to lower blood sugar levels.
• Responsibilities include giving medication with milk only, ensuring the client takes the medication, and documenting in the MAR.
• It is important to watch for symptoms of low blood sugar like confusion, shakiness, dizziness, or sweating
• It is also important to monitor his blood sugar level.

Medication Errors

• If a medication error occurs, report immediately and do not ignore or cover up the mistake.
• Monitor the client for any adverse effects and document the error in the MAR.
• Self-reflect and learn from the mistake.

10 Rights of Medication Administration

• The 10 Rights are:
• Right Patient
• Right Medication
• Right Dose (right amount)
• Right Route
• Right Time
• Right Documentation
• Right to Refuse
• Right Assessment
• Right Evaluation
• Right Education

Medication Checks

• There are 3 checks when preparing and administering medications:
• When taking the medication from the storage
• When preparing the medication on the bedside
• Right before administering the medication to the client

Medication Safety

• One should never turn their back on medication sitting on the counter to get a glass of water.
• This prevents accidental ingestion or mix-ups with other medications.
• Medication errors are more likely to occur when not attentive.

This lesson focuses on medication administration protocols using the case study of Mr. Hudson, an elderly patient with diabetes and hypertension. It outlines proper identification, medication refusal policies, and special considerations for administering medications with milk or eye drops. Emphasis is placed on accurate documentation on the Medication Administration Record (MAR).