Pharmacy Techniques: Preparing Medication for Administration

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.