N104: Essentials of Nursing Care - Health Safety

N104: Essentials of Nursing Care – Health Safety Study Guide gives a medication, there is a potential for error. The patient should expect and the nurse should ensure that the following rights are ensured when administering medications: • Right patient: o Most healthcare facilities have specific policies concerning appropriate patient identification when giving medication. The nurse must be aware of these policies. o Check the name on the medication label. o Ask the patient his name. o Check the patient's name band but never use the band as the final source for patient identification. • Right medication: o Every medication order will specify the exact medication that is to be given. o Compare the instructions on the order to the medication label to ensure that the correct medication is being given. o Check the medication again when opening the package. o Check the medication a third time before giving the medication to the patient. o The prudent nurse should never administer a medication prepared by someone else. o If the patient questions the medication being administered, stop and verify the medication and the order. • Right dose: o The medication order will always specify the correct dosage. o Some tablets are scored in order to provide two lower doses from one tablet. o Insulin and heparin doses should always be verified with another nurse; in addition, the nurse must be aware of facility policies that might require medication dose verification for other medications. • Right route: o Check the order to ensure that the right medication preparation is available. o Drugs can be given through several different routes and some drugs can be given through more than one route. Typical routes of drug administration include:  Oral: Medications are taken by mouth (in pill, capsule, or liquid form) and absorbed into the system through the digestive system. Absorption is slow. Medications that use this option cannot be used if vomiting is occurring.  Sublingual: This is given under the tongue and absorbed rapidly. Nitroglycerin is a drug that may be given under the tongue.  Enteral: Medications are administered into the digestive tract generally through a nasogastric (NG) tube or feeding tube and absorbed by the digestive tract.  Otic drops: These are specifically for giving drugs for ear infections or pain.  Inhalation: Many respiratory medications are designed to be inhaled directly into the lungs through a nebulizer.  Mucosal: Medications are delivered through the nose or inhaled, and are absorbed through the nasal mucosa or bronchioles, respectively. Vaginal administration of a

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