Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning Interpreting Drug Orders Chapter 7
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning Nursing Responsibilities Interpret order Prepare exact dosage of prescribed drug Identify the patient Administer dosage by prescribed route at prescribed time intervals
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning Nursing Responsibilities Record the administration of the prescribed drug Monitor the patient’s response for desired and adverse effects
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning Medical Abbreviations Used frequently with drug orders Must commit to memory
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning Seven Parts of a Drug Order Patient name Name of drug Dosage Route of administration Frequency, time, and special instructions Date and time of order Signature and licensure of person writing the order
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning Caution If any parts of the order are missing or unclear, the order is incomplete
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning Examples Cortisporin otic suspension –Two drops each ear three times a day and bedtime Digoxin mg by mouth daily
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning Examples Humulin R Regular units –10 units subcutaneous 30 minutes before breakfast and at bedtime Lasix 20 mg by mouth twice daily
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning Examining Drug Orders Drug order must be clearly written –If any parts are missing, it is incomplete –If ever in doubt ask the writer to clarify
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning Six Rights of Medication Administration Right patient Right drug Right amount Right route Right time Right documentation
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning Six Rights of Medication Administration The right patient must receive the right drug in the right amount by the right route at the right time, followed by the right documentation.
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning Drug Orders Sequence –Name of drug –Dosage –Route –Frequency
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning Drug Orders If unsure of order, clarify
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning What’s Wrong? Heparin 5,000 units IV Lasix b.i.d. Depakene 250 mg by mouth Demerol 50 mg IV as needed for pain
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning Medication Administration Record May be a paper form or electronic Used to record drug orders Health care professional must verify and initial each order
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning Medication Administration Record Three checks to ensure safe medication administration –Drug order –Correct dosage –Record drug administration
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning Medication Administration Record
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning Medication Administration Record
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning Preventing Medication Errors Clarify incomplete orders Identify scheduling of doses
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning Preventing Medication Errors Read entire MAR at beginning of each shift –Verify times scheduled with ordered frequency –Review all medications to identify any potential drug interactions or inconsistencies
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning Critical Thinking What is the role of nurse in medication administration?
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning What are the legal implications related to medication administration? Critical Thinking
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning What are some potential outcomes of unsafe medication administration? Critical Thinking