Medication Administration

Michelle Johnson is a patient currently in the hospital due to a severe hyperglycemia related to her chronic illness: Diabetes Mellitus. She suffers from Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and high cholesterol. She is anxious and scared due to being at the hospital. She wants to get well enough to go back home with her family.

Inpatient Hospital Room

1. Demonstrate correct technique for administering medications via oral, IM, SQ, and IV push routes using appropriate equipment and preparation methods.
2. Apply the “7 Rights of Medication Administration” consistently during preparation, verification, and delivery: Right patient, Right medication, Right dose, Right route, Right time, Right documentation, Right reason
3. Follow safe medication handling protocols, including checking expiration dates, proper labeling, and aseptic technique.
4. Verify patient identity and allergies prior to each medication administration.
5. Use critical thinking and clinical judgment to identify medication errors, contraindications, or need for clarification.
6. Engage in therapeutic communication by educating the patient about each medication, expected effects, and possible side effects.
7. Accurately document all medication administration activities, including response and site.

1. Prepare and administer medications safely via oral, IM, SQ, and IV push routes using correct technique.
2. Perform three medication checks and apply the 7 rights before every medication is given.
3. Identify and correct any safety issues (e.g., wrong dose, unclear label, allergy risk) before administering a drug.
4. Explain each medication to the patient, including purpose and potential side effects, using layman’s terms.
5. Demonstrate infection control practices (e.g., hand hygiene, needle safety, skin antisepsis) during administration.
6. Document administration in the MAR or EMR promptly and correctly, including time, dose, site, and patient response.
7. Escalate concerns or clarify unclear medication orders with the appropriate provider.