Oral medication

1	Gather equipment. Check each medication order against the original physician’s order according to agency policy. Clarify any inconsistencies. Check the patient’s chart for allergies.
2	Know the actions, special nursing considerations, safe dose ranges, purpose of administration, and adverse effects of the medications to be administered. Consider the appropriateness of the medication for this patient.
3	Perform hand hygiene.
4.	Move the medication cart to the outside of the patient’s room or prepare for administration in the medication area
5.	Prepare medications for one patient at a time.
6.	Read the medication order and select the proper medication from the patient’s medication drawer or unit stock.
7.	Compare the label with the medication order. Check expiration dates and perform calculations, if necessary.
8.	Prepare the required medications: a. Unit dose packages: Place unit dose-packaged medications in a disposable cup. Do not open wrapper until at the bedside. Keep narcotics and medications that require special nursing assessments in a separate container. b. Multidose containers: When removing tablets or capsules from a multidose bottle, pour the necessary number into the bottle cap and then place the tablets in a medication cup. Break only scored tablets, if necessary, to obtain the proper dosage. Do not touch tablets with hands. c. Liquid medication in multidose bottle: When pouring liquid medications in a multidose bottle, hold the bottle so the label is against the palm. Use the appropriate measuring device when pouring liquids, and read the amount of medication at the bottom of the meniscus at eye level. Wipe the lip of the bottle with a paper towel.
9.	When all medications for one patient have been prepared, recheck the label with the medication order before taking them to the patient. Replace any multidose containers in the patient’s drawer or unit stock. Lock the medication cart before leaving it.
10.	Transport medications to the patient’s bedside carefully, and keep the medications in sight at all times.
11.	Ensure that the patient receives the medications at the correct time.
12.	Identify the patient. Usually, the patient should be identified using two methods. Compare information with the Patient’s chart- a. Check the name and identification number on the patient’s identification band. b. Ask the patient to state his or her name. c. If the patient cannot identify him or herself, verify the patient’s identification with a staff member who knows the patient for the second source
13.	Complete necessary assessments before administering medications. Check allergy bracelet or ask patient about allergies. Explain the purpose and action of each medication to the patient.
14.	Assist the patient to an upright or lateral position.
15.	Administer medications: a. Offer water or other permitted fluids with pills, capsules, tablets, and some liquid medications. b. Ask whether the patient prefers to take the medications by hand or in a cup
16.	Remain with the patient until each medication is swallowed. Never leave medication at the patient’s bedside. Record the medication administration.
17.	Leave the patient in a comfortable position.
18.	Perform hand hygiene
19.	Check on the patient within 30 minutes, or time appropriate for drug(s), to verify response to medication.