Eeoc - Medication Administration Records

CHAPTER 7; MATH FOR MEDS

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION RECORDS

There is no one universal form in use.

All MARs are more similar than different.

MAR is simply stated, a paper record of all medications a patient is receiving.

THE SIX RIGHTS OF MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION

1. THE RIGHT DRUG

2. THE RIGHT DOSE

3. THE RIGHT DOCUMENTATION

4. THE RIGHT PERSON

5. THE RIGHT TIME

6. THE RIGHT DOSAGE

THE RIGHT DRUG: When preparing dosages', the drug order and drug label are routinely checked against each other three times. 1. when you locate the drug; 2. just before you open or pour it. 3. immediately before you administer it.

SAFETY REMINDERS RELATED TO LABELS: 1. A drug may be ordered by trade name but available only in generic or vice versa. 2. Many drug names, particularly generic, are very similar. 3. It is very easy to miss the special initials that follow a drug name. EX. CR controlled release.

THE RIGHT DOSAGE: Dosage is a particular concern in metric dosages containing a decimal. The decimal will always move three places.

Greater to lesser, the number will become larger. G to mg or mg to mcg

Lesser to greater, the number will become smaller.

Medications are prepared in average dosages and usually consist of one-half to three times the average doses (tablet or capsule) available.

THE RIGHT ROUTE

Oral route: Oral medications are swallowed. You must watch the patient actually take oral medications. If any doubt check the patient's mouth. Massage throat.

Sublingual: under the tongue. If swallowed it will not have the same effect. Stomach acid will destroy it.

Drops are another administration route consisting of the eyes, nose, and ear drops are common.

Eye medications are prepared in ointments and are clearly labeled for their intended ophthalmic use. Locating the ophthalmic designation is mandatory before the use of any preparation on the eyes.

Topical: These are ointments or liquids that are applied to the skin. You must know the specific amount, as is the cleansing of a site for repeated ointment applications and whether to cover or not to cover the site after application.

Transdermal patches: Not widely used. The precautions of the use of these are where the patch must be applied, how long it is to stay on, and examination for local skin reaction to the adhesive that secures the patch. Ex. A rash and inflamed skin.

Inhalation: Ex. Exubera, a form of inhalation insulin. These medications are self administered and its your responsibility to make sure the patient understands how to use the inhalation device, how many activations each dosage requires, how many times a day to use, and precautions in use, such as dizziness.

Cremes and suppositories: Used for the genito-rectal systems provide another method of direct medication application. Very easily labeled.

Parenterals: These medications are delivered under the skin.

Intravenous: the primary parenteral route.

Intramuscular and Subcutaneous: Second.

Intradermal: Third.

Most injectable drugs are site-specific and are labeled IV, IM, or subcutaneous use.

THE RIGHT TIME

The time each drug is to be given is often critical, such as insulin immediately before a meal or, more correctly, as soon as insulin is injected. Drugs may be ordered at specific hours during the day or only at bedtime. Some given before or after specific blood tests. Pain medications are given p.r.n. (as needed). Pain medications are time sensitive and must be given before pain becomes severe in postoperative situations and at least