Pharmacy Techniques: Preparing Medication for Administration

Study Notes

Preparing Medications

Prepare medication for one patient at a time to avoid mix-ups.
Check each medication order against the original physician's order or MAR to ensure accuracy.
Prepare medication card and check rights, including patient's name, medication, and dosage.
Prepare needed supplies and equipment, such as clean gloves and a calculator.
Read the label on the drug container, noting the name, strength, supplies dose, expiration date, and clarity of the solution.

Administration Techniques

Wash hands and put on clean gloves to maintain sterility.
Calculate correct dose, taking into account drug concentrations and patient needs.
Use sterile technique in preparing and administering injections to prevent contamination.
Do not leave any prepared medications at the patient's bedside to avoid mistaken identity.

Patient Safety

Identify the patient and yourself, if necessary, to ensure correct administration.
Explain the procedure to the patient, including the medication and its effects.
Check for drug allergies and contraindications to prevent adverse reactions.
Do not give a drug when signs and symptoms of toxicity are present.

Label Verification

Check label THREE TIMES: when reaching for the medication, just before placing medication in cups, and when returning the medication to the place of keeping.
Verify the name, strength, supplies dose, expiration date, and clarity of the solution each time.

Environmental Considerations

Prepare and give drugs in well-lit areas, free of interruptions and distractions, to minimize errors.
Keep the patient's privacy during the administration process.
Assist the patient to a comfortable position to facilitate administration.

Documentation and Follow-up

Document medication: dosage, route, site, time, and signature.
Evaluate the patient's response to the medication within an appropriate time frame.
Return to observe the patient for signs of a local or systemic reaction.

Prevention of Errors

Check orders for accuracy and clarity.
Clarify illegible orders to prevent mistakes.
Check blood pressure, pulse, and lab results before administration.
Check calculations to ensure accurate dosing.

Description

This quiz assesses knowledge of common protocols and techniques used in preparing medication for administration, including preparing medication cards, checking labels, and calculating correct doses. It's essential for pharmacy professionals to ensure accurate and safe medication administration.