The Medication Order Unit 11

The Medication Order Unit 11

Objectives  State

who may administer medications.  Describe the nine parts of a prescription.  State the two main classes of medicines according to federal law.  List your responsibilities with regard to a patient’s request for a prescription refill.  List seven guidelines for understanding the medication order.

Medication Order  The

drug prescribed by a physician  Components of a medication order:  Name

of the patient  Name of the medication  Dose/route of the medication  Frequency of administration  Date/time order was written  Directions for administration  Signature of authorized prescriber

The Prescription  Written,

legal document that gives directions for compounding, dispensing, and administering a medication  9 components of a prescription  Purpose: control the sale and use of drugs that can be safely and effectively used only under the supervision of a licensed physician.

Prescription Medications  Two

classes:

 Prescription:

dangerous, powerful, or

habit-forming.  OTC (over-the-counter)  Hard copies of prescriptions that have been filled, are kept on record for a minimum of 7 years.

Other Types of Medication Orders  Verbal

Order (VO)-expressed by speech and not written out  Telephone order (TO)-verbal order transmitted via a telecommunication system  PRN order-medication is given on an “as needed” basis  Routine order-course of action to be followed regularly

Other Types of Medication Orders  Standing

order-sets forth specific instructions for various patient situations  Single order-given one time only  Stat order-administered immediately  Facsimile or electronic order-transmitted by a FAX machine by an authorized prescriber

Medicine Card  Should

be written out prior to the administration of any medication to a patient  Include patient name, data about the drug, date  Should be torn up after use and a new card is made for each drug you administer to a patient

The Medication Label  Points

of information include:

 Trade

or brand name of medication  Generic name  NDC (National Drug Code): numbers that can be used to identify the manufacturer, product, and size of the container  Dosage strength  Usual dosage  Route of administration

The Medication Label  Precautions/warnings  Expiration

date and the lot or batch code  Label may also contain directions regarding the storage of the medication and the for mixing a powdered form of a drug