The administration and control of medications is a crucial aspect of nursing in the operating room. This chapter of our e-book course will focus on detailing the importance of this task, the procedures involved, and best practices for ensuring patient safety.
The administration of medication involves several steps that must be followed strictly to avoid errors and ensure that the patient receives the correct medication in the right dose and at the right time. These steps include: verifying the doctor's prescription, preparing the medication, administering the medication to the patient, and documenting the process.
Medical Prescription Verification
First of all, the nurse should check the medical prescription to confirm the name of the medication, the dose, the route of administration and the time. It is also important to check whether the patient has any known allergies to the prescribed medication. If there is any discrepancy or doubt, the nurse should consult the physician before administering the drug.
Drug Preparation
After checking the prescription, the nurse must prepare the medication. This involves calculating the correct dose, preparing the syringe or other delivery device, and double-checking the drug and dose. During preparation, the nurse must follow hygienic practices to avoid contamination of the medication.
Drug Administration
Drug administration must be done with care to ensure that the drug is administered in the correct route and at the right time. The nurse must explain the procedure to the patient and obtain consent before administering the medication. After administration, the nurse should observe the patient for any adverse drug reaction.
Documentation
Finally, the nurse must document medication administration in the patient's chart. Documentation must include the drug name, dose, route of administration, time, and the patient's response to the drug. Documentation is important for keeping an accurate record of patient treatment and for communication between the healthcare team.
The administration and control of medications is a major responsibility for nurses in the operating room. Errors in medication administration can have serious consequences, including adverse reactions, overdose and even death. Therefore, it is essential that the nurse follow best practices and procedures to ensure patient safety.
In addition, the nurse also has an important role in medication control. This involves monitoring drug use, ensuring drugs are stored safely and properly, and regularly checking drug stocks. Medication tracking helps prevent medication misuse and ensure medications are available when needed.
In summary, medication administration and control is an essential part of nursing in the operating room. It requires knowledge, skill and attention to detail to ensure patient safety and well-being. We hope that this chapter of our e-book course will provide you with a clear and comprehensive understanding of this crucial task.
