Answers
Special consideration to be taken during preparation of safe dosage to infants , children and older adults are :-
Consideration in
- Follow 7R's of medication administration
- Prepare dose as per BSA
- Oral meds are usually prepared in sweetened liquid form to make them more palatable
- Do not mix drugs into necessary foods such as milk, orange juice, this may cause them to refuse the food in the future
- fear of procedures (needles) - do not deny child may feel some discomfort (trust vs mistrust) nurse or parent cuddle after or give a toy
- metabolism of the drug may be altered because of an immature liver and kidney
#. Developmental Considerations for older adults
- past experiences and attitudes toward medications
- altered pharmacokinetics
- may require smaller doses because drugs accumulate in the body (sedatives/antidepressants)
- provide information, instructions and reasons for medications
- decreased dexterity because of stiffness in hands and fingers
- difficulty opening containers, self-administration of injections, inhalers, eyedrops, teardrops
#. Instructions :-
- to learn names of meds, actions
- carry a list of meds
- keep meds out of reach of children and pets
- take meds as prescribed - special instructions
- check expiry date - return expired med to pharmacy
- check with the pharmacist before taking OTC meds in addition to prescription medication.
#. Practice guidelines for administering medication
- Nurses administering medications are responsible for their own actions. Question any order that is illegible or that you consider incorrect.
Call pharmacy/doctor for clarification
- Be knowledgeable about medications you administer, know why they need this medication that was administered, look up more information about the drug if you need more information.
- Federal laws govern the use of narcotics and barbiturates (keep them locked up)
- use only medications that are in a clearly labeled container
- do not use liquid medications that are cloudy or have changed colour
- calculate drug doses accurately, if unsure double check
- Administer medications you have personally prepared
- before administering medication, verify the clients identity using appropriate means of identification such as checking the identification bracelet
- do not leave medications at the bedside, with certain exceptions (nitroglycerine, cough syrup)
- if a client vomits after taking a medication, report this to the nurse in charge, primary care giver (or both)
- take precautions when administering certain medications
- most hospitals policies require new orders from the primary care giver for client post surgery care
- when a medication is omitted for any reason, record it
- medication error occurs , report it immediately
- always check the medications expiration date
- wash hands between clients
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