Medication administration

Definition

Medication administration is the process by which a healthcare professional provides a prescribed medication to a patient. It involves accurate dosage, proper route, and precise timing to ensure therapeutic effectiveness and patient safety.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The five 'rights' of medication administration are right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and right time.
2. Routes of administration include oral, intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous (SQ), and topical.
3. Nurses must double-check for potential drug interactions and allergies before administering medication.
4. Proper documentation of medication administration is crucial for legal and medical accountability.
5. Patient education about the medication being administered is an essential part of the nursing process.

Review Questions

• What are the five 'rights' of medication administration?
• Why is it important to check for drug interactions before administering a medication?
• Name three different routes of medication administration.

Related terms

Dosage Calculation: The mathematical determination of the appropriate amount of medication based on factors like age, weight, and kidney function.

Pharmacokinetics: The study of how drugs move through the body during absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Adverse Drug Reaction: An unwanted or harmful reaction experienced following the administration of a drug or combination of drugs under normal conditions.