Equipment used to administer medication?!
Question:
Equipment used to administer medication?
NVQ level 3 health and social care generic option unit 375
Answers:
Qualified Nurses,
medicine pots!,
syringes for medicines,
needles and syringes for injections
Nebuliser for Ventolin nebulisers (Usually used for chronic asthma, COPD, Emphysema etc
Applicator for pessary,
I also always have a copy of the BNF drug book so that I can read up on any new medications I am n ot sure of etc.
I would suggest you do some reading up on your units and also perhaps speak to your qualified nurse to find out what they use.
In the UK it is NOT recommended to mix or disguise tablets in food or jams as we are not to deceive patients. If they refuse then you have to document so.
Also medications are not licensed to be crushed and put in things such as jam etc...that is a big no no now!
If a patient has swallowing problems the the GP must be alerted and an alternative given.
It is also worth noting that certain drugs can come in patch form that are stuck to the patients skin.
Drugs are administered via a policy within the establishment but also have to comply with the NMC (nurse midwifery council).
A nurse can face legal action if she makes a mistake with medication...it can be known as coporate manslaughter if a patient dies as a result of a drug error.
Always read the prescription on the MAR sheet thoroughly and make sure the details match with what is on the box or bottle of pills/medicine. Always sign for the medication once it is given. Failing to sign could lead to an overdose if the next nurse thought it had not been given.
So careful administration of the drugs by the nurse is essential. NEVER assume anything when giving meds. If in doubt then check with the pharmacy or GP
Controlled drugs such as morphine etc have to be signed out my two trained nurses and counted at each time to check balance that none are missing.
It is also policy where i work that i have to watch each patient swallow their medications with a glass of water.