Question

-Explain standard safety precautions of drug administration.

-List and describe the "five rights" of drug administration.

-Discuss some special patient considerations when administering drugs.

Answer 1

ANSWERS :

- Standard safety precautions of drug administration :

• Hygiene of hands : Washing hands with soap and water thoroughly
• Use personal protection equipment like gloves , masks etc
• Medication orders should be verified before administration
• Always prepare medication for one patient at a time
• Verify the medical records of patient for drug allergies or any contraindications for the ordered medication
• Injections should be administered under strict aseptic conditions
• Sharps should be disposed in sharp containers and never recap them to prevent needle stick injuries

- Five rights of drug administration :

• Right drug : Verify the drug name and type, whether it is correct as prescribed in the doctor's order
• Right patient : Confirm the name of the patient by checking the records as well as asking the patient
• Right route : Verify the route if administration written in doctor's order
• Right dose : Check the drug dose in doctor's, order , medication sheet and drug which we are giving to the patient
• Right time : Check the timing of the drug when it should be given.Verify the time of previous dose before administration of medication

- Special considerations :

• Elderly patients : They have increased risk of decreased therapeutic effects ,drug toxicity , adeverse effects because increasing age effects pharmacokinetics of the drug
• Pediatric patients : Dosage of drugs should be measured carefully before administering and close monitoring needed for adverse effects, as they have immature body systems
• Pregnant patient : Some drugs given to mother also effects the fetus by crossing the placenta. So drugs contraindicated in pregnancy should be noted and avoided.
• Breast feeding : Drugs which are excreted in breast milk are contraindicated and should be avoided.