LO: Begin to examine client safety issues related to use of medicationPatient SafetyNurses, including nursing students, are responsible for patient safety related to preparing and administering medications.What knowledge must a nurse possess to administer drugs safely?
Question
LO: Begin to examine client safety issues related to use of medicationPatient SafetyNurses, including nursing students, are responsible for patient safety related to preparing and administering medications.What knowledge must a nurse possess to administer drugs safely?
Solution
To administer drugs safely, a nurse must possess the following knowledge:
-
Pharmacology: Nurses need to have a solid understanding of pharmacology, which includes knowledge of drug classifications, actions, indications, contraindications, and potential side effects. This knowledge helps nurses make informed decisions about the appropriate use and administration of medications.
-
Medication Dosage and Calculation: Nurses must be proficient in calculating medication dosages accurately. This involves understanding different units of measurement, converting between units, and performing dosage calculations based on patient weight, age, and other factors.
-
Medication Administration Routes: Nurses should be familiar with various routes of medication administration, such as oral, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and topical. They need to know the specific techniques and precautions associated with each route to ensure safe and effective drug delivery.
-
Medication Interactions: Nurses should be aware of potential drug interactions that can occur when multiple medications are administered concurrently. This knowledge helps them identify and prevent adverse reactions or complications that may arise from drug interactions.
-
Medication Storage and Handling: Nurses need to understand proper storage and handling procedures for medications. This includes knowledge of temperature requirements, expiration dates, and safe disposal methods to maintain medication efficacy and prevent harm to patients.
-
Medication Administration Techniques: Nurses should be skilled in administering medications using various techniques, such as oral administration, injections, and intravenous infusions. They need to follow established protocols and guidelines to ensure accurate dosage administration and minimize the risk of medication errors.
-
Documentation and Communication: Nurses must document all medication administration accurately and communicate relevant information to other healthcare professionals. This includes documenting the medication name, dosage, route, time of administration, and any observed effects or adverse reactions.
By possessing this knowledge, nurses can ensure the safe and effective administration of medications, minimizing the risk of medication errors and promoting patient safety.
Similar Questions
The nurse is preparing to administer a prescribed medication to a client. The nurse should take which initial action?A. Verify the client's full name and date of birthB. Ask about any medication allergiesC. Review the client's vital signsD. Review medications and potential interactions
During the medication administration process, it is import-ant that the nurse remembers which guideline?a. When in doubt about a drug, ask a colleague about itbefore giving the drug.b. Ask what the patient knows about the drug before givingit.c. When giving a new drug, be sure to read about it aftergiving it.d. If a patient expresses a concern about a drug, stop, listen,and investigate the concerns.
If the pharmacy sends a drug to the patient, you can safely administer that drug as prescribed, with confidence knowing that the pharmacy was responsible to check the action of the drug, the usual dosage, the route of administration, and the side effects.ResponsesTrueTrueFalse
Which of the following is NOT a reliable source of information about an individual’s medication?A pill bookA nursing drug guideAsking your neighborThe pharmacy
The nurse is preparing to administer a high volume saline enema to a client. Which information is most important for the nurse to obtain prior to administering the enema?History of inflammatory bowel disorders.Reason for administering the enema.Feelings about having an enema.Allergies to medications.
Upgrade your grade with Knowee
Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.