Medication Administration by Sneha Smriti Guha, BSc Nursing 1st Year Students, Nursing Foundation

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on medication administration, as presented by Mrs. Sneha Smriti Guha for BSc Nursing 1st Year Students. Understanding proper medication administration is crucial for nursing students and healthcare professionals, as it ensures patient safety and effective treatment.

Step 1: Understand the Medication Order

• Review the prescription carefully.
• Confirm the following:
  • Patient's name and identification.
  • Medication name, dosage, and route of administration.
  • Frequency and duration of the medication.
• Clarify any unclear orders with the prescribing physician.

Step 2: Gather Necessary Equipment

• Collect all required tools and supplies for medication administration:
  • Medication (ensure it's the right one).
  • Syringe or medication cup.
  • Alcohol swabs for sanitization.
  • Gloves (if necessary).
  • Patient identification wristband.
• Ensure a clean and organized workspace.

Step 3: Prepare the Medication

• Check the expiration date of the medication.
• For oral medications:
  • Measure the correct dosage using the appropriate measuring device.
• For injectable medications:
  • Withdraw the medication into a syringe, ensuring no air bubbles remain.
  • If preparing an injection, use proper technique to draw up the medication.

Step 4: Verify Patient Identification

• Use two identifiers to confirm the patient's identity:
  • Ask the patient their name and date of birth.
  • Check the identification wristband against the medication order.
• Explain the procedure to the patient to ensure their understanding and cooperation.

Step 5: Administer the Medication

• For oral medications:
  • Offer water or another suitable liquid to help swallow the medication.
• For injections:
  • Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab.
  • Use the correct technique for the chosen route (intramuscular, subcutaneous, etc.).
  • Administer the injection smoothly and quickly to minimize discomfort.
• Document the administration immediately after completing the task, noting the time and any reactions.

Step 6: Monitor the Patient

• Observe the patient for any adverse reactions or side effects.
• Offer assistance if the patient experiences discomfort or difficulty after taking the medication.
• Provide information on what side effects to expect and when to report them.

Conclusion

In this guide, we covered the essential steps for safe and effective medication administration, from understanding the medication order to monitoring the patient post-administration. Practicing these techniques will enhance your skills and ensure patient safety. As you progress in your nursing studies, continue to deepen your knowledge of pharmacology and patient care protocols.