Medication Management and Nursing Responsibilities Quiz

5 Questions

Discuss the role and responsibilities of the nurse in promoting the quality use of medicines.

The role of the nurse in promoting the quality use of medicines includes ensuring safe and effective medication administration, providing patient education on medication use and potential side effects, monitoring medication therapy for effectiveness and adverse reactions, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals in medication management.

Describe best practice principles and techniques of medication administration via oral route.

Best practice principles and techniques of medication administration via the oral route include checking the medication order, identifying the patient, explaining the purpose and potential side effects of the medication to the patient, administering the medication with the appropriate dosage and route, documenting the administration, and monitoring the patient for any adverse reactions.

Identify components of a legal and valid medication order.

A legal and valid medication order must include the patient's name, date and time of the order, name of the medication, dosage, route of administration, frequency, and the prescriber's signature or electronic signature.

Discuss medication safety and quality strategies aimed at preventing medication errors.

Medication safety and quality strategies aimed at preventing medication errors include using barcode scanning technology to verify medication administration, implementing double-check systems for high-risk medications, improving communication and handoff processes between healthcare professionals, promoting a culture of safety and reporting of medication errors, and providing ongoing education and training on medication safety.

Recognize the common causes of medication errors.

Common causes of medication errors include illegible handwriting or unclear medication orders, look-alike or sound-alike medications, incorrect dosage calculations or administration, distractions or interruptions during medication administration, and inadequate communication between healthcare professionals.

Study Notes

Nurse's Role in Promoting Quality Use of Medicines

The nurse plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality use of medicines by assessing patients' medication regimens, identifying potential medication-related problems, and educating patients on safe medication use.
The nurse is responsible for monitoring medication therapy, detecting and reporting adverse drug reactions, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to optimize medication use.

Best Practice Principles of Medication Administration via Oral Route

Medication administration via the oral route should be carried out according to the Five Rights: right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time.
Nurses should verify the medication order, ensure the patient's identity, and check the medication against the medication order before administration.
Medications should be administered in a quiet, distraction-free area, and the nurse should be familiar with the medication, its indications, and potential side effects.

Components of a Legal and Valid Medication Order

A legal and valid medication order must include the patient's name, medication name, dose, route, frequency, and duration of treatment.
The order should be dated, timed, and signed by the authorized prescriber, with the prescriber's name and contact information.
The medication order should be clear, concise, and unambiguous, with no abbreviations or symbols.

Medication Safety and Quality Strategies

Medication safety and quality strategies include the use of standardized medication lists, barcode scanning, and automated dispensing systems to reduce medication errors.
Implementing a culture of safety, reporting medication errors, and conducting root cause analyses can help identify and address system flaws contributing to medication errors.
Patient education, medication reconciliation, and clinical decision support systems are also essential in promoting medication safety and quality.

Common Causes of Medication Errors

The most common causes of medication errors include incomplete or inaccurate medication orders, poor communication among healthcare professionals, and inadequate patient education.
Other contributing factors include distractions during medication administration, lack of knowledge or expertise, and inadequate medication labeling and packaging.
Medication errors can also occur due to look-alike or sound-alike medications, high-alert medications, and inadequate medication storage and handling.