Administration

There are four steps to administering medication: reviewing the prescription, preparing the medications, administering medication to the patient, and finally, completing documentation.

1.  Review prescription
   • Ensure prescription is unambiguous
   • Check timing of due dose
   • Ensure you are familiar with the prescribed medication, including its indication, side effects and interactions
   • Evaluate patient and consider suitability of medication and dose
   • Check patient allergies
   • Contact prescriber or pharmacist if discrepancies or concerns
2. Prepare medications
   • Ensure correct product selection (medication, dosage form, strength, route, expiry date)
   • Calculate dosage, concentration, rate and check compatibilities where necessary using clinical guidelines
   • Contact prescriber or pharmacist if discrepancies or concerns
3. Administer to patient
   • Identify patient using their full name, date of birth and MRN
   • At the bedside recheck prepared medication against medication order
   • A check by a second person may be required according to local policy
   • Check route of administration
   • Provide information to the patient about the medication being administered
4. Document administration
   • Sign medication chart in the correct section
   • If medication is not administered used the relevant code to identify reason on the medication chart and document in the medical record