Administering Medication

Course overview

Safe medication administration is an essential skill for all nursing professionals, so it is critical that they be knowledgeable in the techniques of administering all pharmaceutical agents. The first of three lessons will describe the safe administration of oral medications and will demonstrate practices that are required in order to help prevent medication errors.The purpose of this lesson is to provide nursing professionals with the knowledge and skills required to safely administer oral medications and help prevent medication errors. The material is organized around the following topics: Introduction Preventing Medication Errors Approved Abbreviations Types of Oral Medications Administration of Oral Medications Conclusion The second of three lessons will present techniques for the safe administration of topical medications, suppositories and inhalants. The purpose of this lesson is to provide nursing professionals with the knowledge and skills required to safely administer topical medications, suppositories and inhalants. The content is organized around the following topics: Introduction Equipment for Injections Injection Medications and Equipment Patient Preparation Types of Injections Conclusion The last of three lessons will present techniques for the safe administration of injectable medications, including subcutaneous, intradermal, intramuscular, and into an intravenous injection port. Also included in this lesson is the mandatory use of safer needle devices to prevent needlestick injuries. The purpose of this lesson is to provide nursing professionals with the knowledge and skills required to safely administer parenteral medications. The content is organized around the following topics: Introduction Equipment for Injections Injection Medications and Equipment Patient Preparation Types of Injections Conclusion