ADMINISTRATION OF ORAL MEDICATIONS (MIXTURES)

REQUIREMENTS #

1. A tray containing the following:
   • Medication
   • Drinking cup
   • Bottle of water
   • Spoon in a saucer or measuring cup
   • Medication Treatment Chart (Manual or Electronic)
   • Pill-crushing device if necessary
2. Straw

STEPS #

1. Check for the right patient, right medication, right time, right dose against doctor’s order and treatment chart (manual or electronic) as well as the expiry date
2. Establish rapport (Refer to steps)
3. Explain procedure to patient and ensure patient’s right to know/consent and to refuse
4. Perform hand hygiene
5. Prepare and send tray to the bedside
6. Read the label on the bottle and compare with patient’s treatment chart (manual or electronic)
7. Take out the bottle and compare with the patient treatment chart (manual or electronic) for the dosage
8. Shake the bottle gently
9. Remove the cork and holds it with the little or ring finger
10. Pick the medicine glass and with the thumb nail marks the level of the measure to be taken
11. Pour out the prescribed dose at eye level in the bright light, holding the bottle with the label upper most
12. Replace the cork and compare the quantity with the dosage on the patient’s treatment chart (manual or electronic)
13. Carry medicine to the patient on a saucer, a teaspoon may be added for stirring if it is a suspension
14. Encourage patient to drink the medicine and serve water if necessary
15. Congratulate patient and make him/her assume a desirable position
16. Observe patient for any adverse reaction
17. Encourage patient to report any adverse
18. Dispose off used items
19. Perform hand hygiene
20. Document procedure in the nurses’ note and chart on treatment chart (manual or electronic)
21. Check on patient after thirty (30) minutes for therapeutic effect