Safe Medication Administration Research Paper

Principles for safe medication administration:

• All medications must be administered according to a physician’s orders.
• The medication orders must be clear, legible and not open.
• The same person should select, prepare, administer and record the administration.
• Doses must be prepared for only one patient at a time, immediately before the intended use
• Medications should be prepared for immediate administration to a single patient and not retained for later use due to the risks of contamination, potential instability, potential mix-up with other medications and to maintain security of the medication
• All medications must be stored in patient care areas in the same container as received from pharmacy.
• All RNs and ENs without notation must successfully complete the Medication Assessment Paper prior to administering medications.
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If the nurse is interrupted during the distribution of medications, the trolley must be locked and the key taken with the nurse.
• If a medication is not given, this is to be noted on the medication chart and also in the clinical progress notes including the reason why it was not given.
• Always remain with the patient until such time the medication has been administered.
• Always check name, strength of the medication, expiry date on the ampule or bottle. If details are not legible, return to Pharmacy.
• Infection control, hand hygiene and workplace health and safety policies must be followed.
• Aseptic technique must be followed in preparation and administration of