Download Clinical Nursing Skill: Administration of Oral Medications

Clinical Nursing Skill: Administration of Oral Medications
The following is a guideline for administration of oral medications. During clinical
assessment students will be automatically failed if those tasks underlined are not
performed according to guidelines.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
Performs routine hand wash
Consults patient documentation regarding patient status e.g. student should
know why the patient requires the medication
Introduces self to patient
Provides explanation to patient
Seeks permission to perform procedure
Organises equipment
Prepares patient and provides privacy as appropriate
Confirms medical order meets legal requirements e.g. dated and signed by a
medical officer, order is legible
Checks all of the medication chart
Checks for allergies
Reviews literature on the drug if unfamiliar with the medication e.g. reviews
MIMS to confirm dosage is correct
Calculates dose to be administered if applicable
Assembles equipment as per needs of the patient
Performs first drug check
Checks expiry date of medication
Places the lid of the container upside down to prevent contamination
Performs second drug check
18a. Demonstrates correct technique for removing tablets/capsules from
bottles/blister packs. 18b. Demonstrates correct technique for pouring a
specific amount of liquid from a bottle
Performs 3rd drug check
Checks patient is not nil by mouth (NBM) and patients compatibility of route
of administration
Identifies patient with medical order and patient identification arm band
Gives the patient sufficient fluids to swallow medication
Witnesses ingestion of medication
Terminates encounter suitable
Replaces/disposes of equipment appropriately
Performs routine hand wash adhering to standard precaution guidelines
Signs the drug order
Reports significant findings