1-6.
PRINCIPLES ASSOCIATED WITH CHARTING MEDICATIONS
a. Never chart a medication as having been given until it has been administered.
Check the chart before giving the medication to avoid duplication.
b. Record all administrations of medications IAW local SOP.
(1) As a minimum, record the name of the drug, dosage, time and route of
administration, patient's reaction or lack of reaction to the medication (if appropriate),
and the name of the person who administered the medication.
(2)
Correct charting helps to prevent administering a medication twice.
Section II. ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS
1-7.
STERILE INJECTION OF MEDICATIONS
A needle and syringe are used to introduce a suitable liquid preparation of a
drug(s) directly into the body tissues or veins. A sterile injection of medication is used:
a. When rapid action by the drug is desired.
b. When the drug might be destroyed by digestive juices or vomited if given by
mouth.
c. When the patient is unconscious or injured so that he cannot be given the
medication by mouth.
d. When local skin areas need to be anesthetized for an operative procedure.
e. When the medication has to be concentrated in a specific area of the body.
1-8.
INJECTION METHODS
Commonly included among the injection methods of drug administration are
subcutaneous (beneath the skin), intramuscular (within the substance of the muscle),
and intradermal (within the dermis). These injection methods are also referred to as
parenteral (other than through the intestine). Because of the accuracy of these
methods of administration, these injections provide the patient with a more precise
amount of drug and a more rapid onset of drug action. These procedures will be
discussed in more detail later in this subcourse.
MD0552
1-5