Title: Identify basic guidelines for administering medications.
Course: Medication Aide (14051-36) > Section: Examining Administration of Prepared Instillations and Treatments

Identification may include

- knowing why a client is receiving the medication
- knowing the medication delivery system
  - vials
  - blister pack
  - unit dose
  - multi-dose

- verifying each medication order
- knowing the types of medication orders
  - routine
  - PRN—from the Latin phrase pro re nata which translates to “as the situation demands”
  - single dose
  - stat

- giving only medications ordered by an authorized prescriber
- reading the pharmacist’s label three times
- never giving a medication if there is any question about the order
- never giving a medication if its normal appearance has been altered
- always checking for allergies
- taking vital signs when indicated
- checking the expiration date on the label
- staying with a client until the medication has been safely swallowed, when administering oral medications
- documenting in the MAR
- preparing for a medication pass (i.e., med-pass).

Process/Skill Questions:

- Who clarifies the medication order if there is a question?
- What are common auxiliary labels affixed to containers?
- Why is it important to check allergies before administering medications?
- What is the importance of the MAR?