Question

pharmocology

Week 4 Discussion Discuss the special considerations needed in the preparation of safe dosages to infants, children, and older adults.

Answer 1

Special consideration to be taken during preparation of safe dosage to infants , children and older adults are :-

Consideration in

- Follow 7R's of medication administration

- Prepare dose as per BSA

- Oral meds are usually prepared in sweetened liquid form to make them more palatable

- Do not mix drugs into necessary foods such as milk, orange juice, this may cause them to refuse the food in the future

- fear of procedures (needles) - do not deny child may feel some discomfort (trust vs mistrust) nurse or parent cuddle after or give a toy

- metabolism of the drug may be altered because of an immature liver and kidney

#. Developmental Considerations for older adults

- past experiences and attitudes toward medications

- altered pharmacokinetics

- may require smaller doses because drugs accumulate in the body (sedatives/antidepressants)

- provide information, instructions and reasons for medications

- decreased dexterity because of stiffness in hands and fingers

- difficulty opening containers, self-administration of injections, inhalers, eyedrops, teardrops

#. Instructions :-

- to learn names of meds, actions

- carry a list of meds

- keep meds out of reach of children and pets

- take meds as prescribed - special instructions

- check expiry date - return expired med to pharmacy

- check with the pharmacist before taking OTC meds in addition to prescription medication.

#. Practice guidelines for administering medication

- Nurses administering medications are responsible for their own actions. Question any order that is illegible or that you consider incorrect. Call pharmacy/doctor for clarification

- Be knowledgeable about medications you administer, know why they need this medication that was administered, look up more information about the drug if you need more information.

- Federal laws govern the use of narcotics and barbiturates (keep them locked up)

- use only medications that are in a clearly labeled container

- do not use liquid medications that are cloudy or have changed colour

- calculate drug doses accurately, if unsure double check

- Administer medications you have personally prepared

- before administering medication, verify the clients identity using appropriate means of identification such as checking the identification bracelet

- do not leave medications at the bedside, with certain exceptions (nitroglycerine, cough syrup)

- if a client vomits after taking a medication, report this to the nurse in charge, primary care giver (or both)

- take precautions when administering certain medications

- most hospitals policies require new orders from the primary care giver for client post surgery care

- when a medication is omitted for any reason, record it

- medication error occurs , report it immediately

- always check the medications expiration date

- wash hands between clients