Medication Administration Principles - Ccma

1. What are the three checks of medication administration that must occur before giving a dose?

   Check when retrieving, before preparing, and at bedside before giving. These checks ensure medication accuracy and patient safety by verifying details at critical points to minimize errors.

2. What is the correct disposal method for used needles and syringes after an injection?

   Immediately place in an approved sharps container; do not recap. Sharps containers prevent needlestick injuries, and no recapping reduces exposure risks.

3. Identify the correct action if the ordered medication dose differs from the available strength.

   Recalculate and verify; if unclear, hold and clarify with the provider/pharmacy. Discrepancies may indicate errors, requiring validation to ensure safe dosing.

4. What is the correct direction to wipe before instilling ophthalmic medication?

   Wipe from inner canthus to outer canthus. This direction minimizes contamination of the tear duct by directing debris away from it.

5. What is the "Right patient" in the medication rights, and how is it verified?

   Match order to two identifiers (name and DOB) with patient and chart. Verification using two unique identifiers prevents administration errors by confirming the correct recipient.

6. Which route places medication under the tongue for rapid absorption: sublingual or buccal?

   Sublingual. This route allows quick mucosal absorption, bypassing first-pass metabolism for faster onset.

7. What is the correct administration instruction for enteric-coated or extended-release tablets?

   Swallow whole; do not crush, split, or chew. Altering these forms disrupts controlled release, risking uneven absorption or GI irritation.

8. Which injection route is used for tuberculosis screening: intradermal, subcutaneous, or IM?

   Intradermal. Shallow injection into the dermis produces a wheal, suitable for sensitivity tests like TB.

9. What is the "Right time" in medication administration?

   Give at the ordered time and correct interval per facility policy. Adhering to timing optimizes drug efficacy and maintains therapeutic levels without toxicity.

10. Which route requires rotating sites to prevent lipodystrophy: subcutaneous or intradermal?

    Subcutaneous. Rotation distributes injections evenly, avoiding tissue damage from repeated use in one area.

11. What is the "Right documentation" in medication administration?

    Document immediately after giving: drug, dose, route, time, site, response. Accurate records support continuity of care, legal compliance, and monitoring of patient outcomes.

12. What is the correct technique after giving eye drops to reduce systemic absorption?

    Apply nasolacrimal occlusion (gentle pressure at inner canthus). Occlusion blocks drainage into the nasopharynx, limiting unintended systemic effects.

13. What is the correct storage requirement for medications labeled "refrigerate"?

    Store at $2\text{–}8^\circ\text{C}$ ($36\text{–}46^\circ\text{F}$) with temperature monitoring. This range preserves potency and stability, with monitoring to detect deviations promptly.

14. What does the "Right medication" require you to compare before administration?

    Compare label to order: drug name, strength, and form. Matching these elements ensures the dispensed drug aligns precisely with the prescriber's intent, reducing mix-ups.

15. Which action is required when handling controlled substances to prevent diversion?

    Secure storage, accurate counts, and witnessed waste per policy. These measures ensure accountability and compliance with regulations to deter misuse.

16. What is the "Right dose" in medication administration?

    Administer the exact ordered dose after verifying calculations and units. Precision in dosage maintains therapeutic efficacy while avoiding under- or overdosing risks.

17. Which route places medication between gum and cheek: buccal or sublingual?

    Buccal. Placement here facilitates absorption through oral mucosa, ideal for certain fast-acting drugs.

18. What is the key safety rule for ophthalmic drops to prevent contamination?

    Do not touch the dropper tip to the eye, lashes, or any surface. Avoiding contact maintains sterility, preventing microbial introduction and infection risks.

19. Find the error: You prepared a dose and then documented it before administering it. What is correct?

    Document only after administration (or after a documented hold/refusal). Pre-administration documentation can lead to inaccuracies if issues arise during giving.

20. What is the "Right response" in medication administration?

    Assess and document therapeutic effect and adverse reactions. Monitoring responses allows timely intervention for issues, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.

21. What is the "Right to refuse," and what must you do if a patient refuses a dose?

    Patient may decline; hold dose, notify provider, and document refusal. Respecting autonomy requires proper follow-up to maintain care continuity and legal records.

22. What is the "Right education" in medication administration?

    Teach purpose, how to take, key side effects, and when to seek help. Education empowers patients for adherence and self-monitoring, improving safety and efficacy.

23. What is the correct action if a medication label is illegible or missing when preparing a dose?

    Do not use it; obtain a properly labeled medication. Illegible labels pose identification risks, necessitating replacement for safety and accuracy.

24. What does the "Right route" require you to confirm before giving a medication?

    Confirm ordered route matches formulation and patient condition. This confirmation ensures safe and effective delivery, as routes affect absorption and potential complications.

25. What is the "Right reason" (or indication) in medication administration?

    Verify the medication is appropriate for the patient diagnosis/condition. This step confirms clinical appropriateness, enhancing safety and treatment efficacy.

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