Administering Medication in Care Settings: Respecting Rights and Safety
Administering medication in a care setting is a critical task that requires not only medical knowledge but also a deep respect for the individuals in your care. It’s essential to approach this responsibility with an understanding of each person’s unique needs, ensuring their dignity, privacy, cultural, and religious beliefs are always upheld.
1. Hand Hygiene: Start by washing and drying your hands thoroughly. This simple act is a cornerstone of safe medication administration and prevents the spread of infection.
2. Accurate Records: Always have the person’s Medicines Administration Records (MAR charts) at hand. These records are crucial for tracking medication and ensuring that the right medication is administered.
3. Necessary Equipment: Prepare all the necessary equipment for safe administration. This includes clean medicine pots, glasses or beakers for water, and tissues for any spillages.
4. Medication Knowledge: Understand the therapeutic use of all medication you’re administering. This encompasses normal dosages, potential side effects, precautions, and contra-indications.
5. Patient Identification: Confirm the identity of the person receiving the medication. This is a fundamental step to avoid medication errors.
6. Individual Care Plans: Be aware of each person’s individual care plan. Tailoring your approach to their specific needs is key to effective care.
7. Focused Dispensing: Administer medication to one person at a time. This focused approach reduces errors and ensures each individual receives proper attention.
8. MAR Chart Checks: Carefully check the MAR chart for each medication. Confirm dosages, timings, and ensure no changes have been made to the prescription.
9. Prescription and Expiry Date Checks: Ensure the medication’s prescription label is clear and check its expiry date. This step is crucial for safety.
10. Allergy Checks: Confirm that the individual is not allergic to the medication being administered.
11. Direct Administration: Give the medication directly as prescribed, without using secondary containers. This maintains the integrity of the medication.
12. Administration with Water: Always provide water with tablets, capsules, and liquids to aid swallowing.
13. Handling Swallowing Difficulties: If a person cannot swallow a tablet or capsule, refer to a nurse or pharmacist. Do not attempt to crush or open them.
14. Record Keeping: Sign the MAR chart immediately after administration. Keep clear and accurate records of all administered, withheld, or refused medication.
15. Respecting Refusal: Respect a person’s decision to refuse medication. Never coerce or force medication; instead, report the refusal to the prescriber.
16. Application of Topical Medicines: Ensure timely application of topical medicines like eye drops and creams.
17. Medication Exclusivity: Never give medication prescribed for one person to another.
18. Avoiding Expired Medication: Never use expired medicines.
19. Preparation of Injections: Do not prepare injections in advance and never administer medication from a syringe prepared by another practitioner in their absence.
20. Altering Medication Labels: Never modify medication labels or prescriptions.
21. Medication as Control: Never use medication as a means of control or punishment.
22. Secure Medication Storage: Always keep medication trolleys secure and locked away when not in use.
23. Seeking Guidance: If there are any concerns regarding medication, immediately consult a trained nurse, the care service manager, or a pharmacist.
24. Adhering to Treatment Plans: Staff should never alter a treatment plan or adjust dosages without proper authorization.
By adhering to these guidelines, care staff can ensure that medication is administered safely and respectfully, always prioritizing the well-being and rights of those in their care.
