Medication Administration in Long-Term Care Homes

Questions and Answers

What should be the first step in verifying the right resident for medication administration?

Verify the resident's identity using at least two identifiers (correct)

Check the medication label

Ensure the right documentation is prepared

Confirm the right medication

Why is it important to confirm the right dose before medication administration?

To ensure the medication is administered via the correct route

To document the details in the resident's eMAR accurately

To ensure the medication is given at the correct time

To prevent potential side effects from overdose or underdose (correct)

What does the right documentation involve during the medication process?

Accurately logging administration details in the resident's eMAR (correct)

Ensuring the medication is given at the designated times

Recording the ingredients of the medication

Creating a report for the practitioner's review

What is the purpose of checking the right reason for administering medication?

To ensure there is a clear rationale based on the resident's condition Signup and view all the answers

What is required before a resident can self-administer medication?

A self-administration assessment must be completed and approved by a practitioner Signup and view all the answers

Who should have access to the Medication Rooms in Long-Term Care Homes?

Only Registered Staff working on the home area Signup and view all the answers

What is required when wasting narcotics in a Long-Term Care Home?

It must be done in the presence of two nurses and documented as waste Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for residents who are on multiple medications?

Informing residents about potential interactions and side effects Signup and view all the answers

What precaution must be taken regarding medication carts?

They must always be locked when not in sight/in reach Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of pharmacy staff during medication reconciliation?

To complete reconciliation when residents are admitted or readmitted Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Medication Administration Overview

The MOLTC establishes regulations for Long-Term Care Homes concerning medication administration.
Access to medication rooms is restricted to Registered Staff within the home area.

Medication Reconciliation and Procedures

Pharmacy staff performs medication reconciliation upon resident admission or readmission.
Specific medication information is accessible through the CareRX portal available at each computer station.

Medication Administration Principles

Medication carts must be locked when unattended.
Narcotics and controlled substances require double locking and must be visible to Registered Staff.
Accurate documentation of medication administration is critical, as many LTC residents are on multiple medications, increasing the risk of interactions.

Medication Rights Framework

Right Resident: Verify identity using at least two identifiers.
Right Medication: Confirm consistency with prescriptions and eMAR.
Right Dose: Ensure dosage is appropriate and accurate.
Right Route: Administer medication via the prescribed route.
Right Time: Administer medication at the correct time and frequency.
Right Documentation: Record administration details accurately.
Right Reason: Ensure there is a clear rationale for the medication.
Right Response: Monitor and document resident's response and any side effects.

Self-Administration of Medications

Residents undergo a self-administration assessment approved by a practitioner.
Staff must create two orders on the eMAR post-approval.

Medication Incidents Reporting

Incident reporting is mandatory using an electronic platform with progress notes in the Resident's chart.
Types of incidents include processing, dispensing, and administration errors.
Registered Staff must notify Pharmacists of urgent concerns.

Prevention and Review of Medication Incidents

Regular reviews of incidents occur quarterly during SMART and PAC meetings.
Registered Staff analyze incidents to determine causes and implement preventive measures.

Suggested Practices to Prevent Incidents

Verify medications against the Resident’s eMAR for discrepancies.
Sign the narcotic count card to document medication administration accurately.
Limit distractions during medication passes to improve focus and accuracy.

New Medication Management Policy (Policy 6.687)

The policy addresses admission/readmission, standard medication times, auditing practices, and incident reporting.
Contains guidelines on high-alert medications, drug destruction, and medication recalls.
Emphasizes education and procedures for Registered Staff and nursing management.

Contact for Inquiries

Reach out to Caitlin Pogson, Chair of the SMART Committee, or any nursing Manager/Supervisor for questions.

Description

This quiz covers the essential rules and practices surrounding medication administration in long-term care homes as outlined by the MOLTC. It includes information on access regulations, medication reconciliation, and staff responsibilities. Test your knowledge on these critical aspects for safe medication management.