Safe handling of medication is your responsibility. By following some simple guidelines, you can help avoid medication errors and ensure the safety of the individuals you support.
Information regarding each medication should be available to all staff that assist with medication administration.
Anyone assisting with medications should know the drug’s uses, precautions, potential side effects, interactions and proper handling procedures.
If any order or label is incomplete or illegible (not easy to read), it needs to be clarified and/or resolved prior to administering the medication.
Each time new medications enter the home they should be verified on a three step check. Check the MAR (Medication Administration Record), the medication label, and the medication order. If any of these do not match, clarification and corrections need to be made before the medication is given.
Medications need to be labeled with the person’s name, medication name, dose, and any other medication instructions.
Assist only one person at a time.
Follow set medication times and procedures
Inform everyone involved in medication administration of any medication changes
Never leave medicine unattended
Keep all medications in their packages until they are actually administered. Do not transfer them to another container. Some self-medicating consumers will have their medication in pill minders that staff have assisted them in filling.
Document all medications on the MAR immediately after they are administered.
Never borrow medication from one person to give to another person.
Medication Rights
· Right Name
· Right Drug
· Right Dose
· Right Route
· Right Time
· Right Documentation
Rules For All Medication Procedures
· Wash hands before and after assisting with medications.
· Wear gloves if the procedure requires their use
· Clean any areas or equipment prior to use
Oral Medication
· Read and follow directions on the medication label prior to removing the lid.
· Do not pour out tablets or capsules into your hand. Please put them into a container or the lid of the bottle.
· Provide a glass of water unless otherwise indicated
· Measure liquid medications at eye level
Eye Medications
· Put on gloves
· If the eyes are not clean, gently wash them with warm water from the inner corner to the outer corner. Use a clean area of the washcloth for each stroke and eye.
· Do not touch the dropper tip to the eye or other surfaces.
· Gently pull the lower eyelid down and place the medication in the pocket that is formed.
Topical Medications
· Glove the hand you will be using to apply the medication.
· Clean the area where the medication is going to be applied.
· Apply the medication
· Remove glove and wash your hands.
Sublingual Medications
· Sublingual medications are given under the tongue.
· Have the person hold the tablet under their tongue until it dissolves.
· Remind the individual to not chew or swallow the medication.
Other Medications
Medications given in other ways have their own special requirements. Transdermal medications, nasal medications, respiratory medications, rectal medications, and vaginal medications should be given according to the instructions received from the physician or pharmacist.
Common Abbreviations
a.c.- before meals c - with
b.i.d – 2 times per day cc – cubic centimeter
Caps – capsule dx – diagnosis
Gm – gram gr – grain
gtt – drop med – medication
mg – milligram O.D. – right eye
O.U. – both eyes O.S. – left eye
oint – ointment p.c – after meals
per – by po – by mouth
Prn – as necessary q – every
od – 1 time per day qid – 4 times per day
q2hrs – every 2 hours stat – immediately
syr – syrup tab – tablet
Safe medication handling and administration is everyone’s responsibility. When you follow established safety procedures, everyone benefits.
Thank you.