As always, check the order, dose, be knowledgeable about the meds you are giving and about why it was prescribed for your patient. Check the route ordered. Is it appropriate for the med and your patient. Most of all, check your patient’s ID. Giving meds is one of the most critical activities as RN does.
All the answers give you is great information so I will not repeat it. What I will add is do not take shortcuts follow all the rules that are taught and are in the systems of operations. do not override the pxis, do not take verbal orders (unless in a code situation) this will insure the dr order with go to the pharm/pxis correctly.
Check and double check all orders and meds, make sure this med is approved for you to give within your unit and scope of practice(meaning if you work on a med-surg and the dr order a med/drug/drip that only should be given in the ICU)
Know your medication pharm - some time the dr orders the wrong dose and it is your responsibility as the RN to know what you are giving is correct order
Another tip is double check the storage in the pxis once your slot is open- sometimes the tech place the wrong vile/pill in the slot and also check for all expiration dates meds/IV solutions etc. When doing drips and blood product have two RN checks (4 eyes better than 2) Also if unsure about a drug ask your coworker, look it up, call the pharm etc. (hope this helps)
Don't they teach:
Right Patient
Right Order
Right Medication
Right Dose
Right Route
If it does not seem Right then Verify. The Pixis type systems are only as good as the person that stocks it. Trust but Verify!!!
Take a breath and calmly read the order
take a breath and ensure that you have the right medication in your hand
take a breath and re-read the order AND the medication
enter the patients room
take a breath and RE-READ the order and medication label
check the patient ID against the order
NEVER go by memory have the order in front of you to ensure the 5 rights of medication administration.
do one final check of the order/ medication and patient
give the medication
take the extra few moments to do it right to avoid the hours it takes to correct/ document the mistake
First of all, check the name of the patient, medication, dosage, the route, time and why it was prescribed for the patient and after administration of the medication, you document it into the patients personal record.(Debby)
Don’t forget the 5 “Rs” of medication administration that you (I did) learned in Nursing school:
1) Right Medication
2) Right Dosage
3) Right Route of Administration
4) Right Time
5) RIGHT PATIENT
You will never go wrong.
