Section V. DELIVERING THE CASSETTES
2-20. TIMES AND METHODS
Every facility will have to establish a local policy concerning the time and method
for cassette exchange. Most facilities have found it convenient to exchange the whole
hospital at one time although it may not be possible in larger facilities with their greater
number of wards. Convenient times for the wards should be considered. Since 0600,
1200, 1800, and 2400 are often busy times for dispensing medications on a ward, these
would not be good times to exchange cassettes. Likewise, mealtimes and shift-change
would not be good times for cassette exchange. Since each cassette normally has 24
hours worth of medication in it, care must be taken not to exchange the cassette before
the last dose of medication in the cassette on the ward has been given. Care must also
be taken to insure the new cassette arrives on the ward with enough time for the nurse
to check the cassette before the administration of the first dose. All these factors must
be taken into account when establishing a cassette exchange policy. Be sure to consult
with ward personnel when establishing the cassette exchange and when changes are to
be made in an established program.
Section VI. DISCONTINUING MEDICATIONS AND DISCHARGING PATIENTS
2-21. DISCONTINUING MEDICATION
When a medication is discontinued, the medication profile must reflect the
change. A diagonal line is drawn after the last date entry for the discontinued drug.
The abbreviation "D/C" is entered to show that the item is discontinued along with the
date and the initials of the individual making the entry.
When a patient is discharged from the hospital, the profile sheet is annotated to
reflect this action. The word "discharged" is entered in the vertical column
corresponding to the date of discharge and the entry is initialed by the individual making
the entry. Any medications in the pharmacy or on the ward prepared for the patient will
be handled in accordance with local SOP. The profile sheet will be filed following local
policy.
2-23. NOTING ENTRIES
These entries will be noted on the profile sheet when the pink slip authorizing the
changes is forwarded pharmacy from the nursing unit.
MD0811
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