Playlist: Administering Medications
Assisting with or directly administering medication is an important role of the personal caregiver and carries significant responsibility. In fulfilling this role effectively and safely, the caregiver becomes a vital member of the health care team. This program introduces safe and responsible medication practices. Topics include the Five Rights principles of medication administration, proper routes of administration, and the various techniques of managing and manipulating medicine consumption. Students will learn how to address the effects of medications—including intended effects, side effects, and allergic reactions—and how these should be documented. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (43 minutes)
Medications must be absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted. Drugs have side and toxic effects, and allergic reactions. Aging can affect how drugs are processed.
The "5 Rights Principle" of medication administration is as follows: right client, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time. In this segment, the right client and right medication rights are discussed and demonstrated.
Doses are expressed in metric units, molecular weights, international units, or percentages and concentrations. Dosage routes may depend on drug properties, patient condition, and the desired action. Time of drug administration is critical.
Oral drug administration is a common medication route. This route is affected by food and the condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Oral medication may be in tablet, capsule, caplets, and oral mixtures.
Drugs administrated via sublingual or buccal route are absorbed by the mucous membranes and into the body's circulatory system. Topical medications may have widespread and/or local effects, e.g. transdermal patches.
Medications per rectum may be used when widespread effects are required, yet the oral route cannot be used. Medications per vagina have effects on vaginal membranes. Inhalation drugs usually have localized effects on lung tissues.
Dose administration aids allow efficient and accurate administration or drugs. Aids include dose boxes and blister packs. This segment includes a summary of all drug administration routes and drug administration.
Caregivers must be aware of the laws and regulations regarding medications. Caregivers learn to follow standard safety procedures in dispensing medication. In this segment they learn to properly administer oral, sublingual, and buccal medications.
Caregivers must be aware of the laws and regulations regarding medications. Caregivers learn to follow standard safety procedures in dispensing medication. In this segment they learn to properly administer
In addition to learning to properly administer medication via a nebulizer, caregivers will have a complete review of medication administration.