MEDICATIONS CATEGORIES

POLICY - Administration
Prescribed by Doctor / Dentist & written into chart / prescription
Organised times for medication round,
6am, 10am, 12md, 2pm, 6pm, 10pm
(or anytime as required)
2 people on medication round-one must be a qualified nurse, other a witness (carer)

POLICY
5 RIGHTS
Right Name – patient-check arm braclet-DOB
Right Drug(s) – as prescribed on chart
Right Dose – mgs, mls,
Right Method – po, im, iv, sc, drops, inhaler, tropical, patch
Right Time

POLICY
Two people to double check prescription, when started, when last given, any reactions?
One to give the medication to patient, explain what it is for & stay with patient until medication is given

POLICY
Nurse will sign off chart, what medication and dose given to patient at specific time.
Report to next shift if new medications were ordered, what medications were given at particular time.
Report if any medications were cancelled or course completed.

CATEGORIES
Antibotics –prevent or treat bacterial infection
Antifungal – prevent or treat fungus infection
Antiviral – prevent or treat viral infections

Categories
Anti-Inflammatory – reduce swelling
Anti-Coagulant – reduce clotting of blood
Anti-Histamine – reduce allergies
Anti-Convulsive – prevent or treat seizures

CATEGORIES
ANALGESICS – pain relief.
Controlled by Legislation
Over the counter – general shops eg –paracetomol
Pharmacy – prescription not required
eg - throat lozengers.
Prescription only - from doctor or dentist
eg – antibotics, strong analgesics

CATEGORIES
Bronchial Dialators – improve breathing
eg Inhalers
Cardiac-Vasodialators – increase circulation
Hypo/Hypertensive- control blood pressure improve heart beat
Diuretics – remove excess fluid from tissue
eg lungs or skin

CATEGORIES
HORMONAL – treat imbalance = control balance
Diabetes eg Insulin
Contraceptives eg birth control or regulate menstrual cycle
Thyroid eg Hypo/Hyper activity

CATEGORIES
SEDATIVES – relax or control emotions
Induce Sleep
Preoperative / Minor surgical procedures

Anti-depressives ? Emotional issues / STRESS
Environmental
Psychotic = chemical imbalance in the brain

STEROIDS – reduce inflammation
? Used in combination with other medication
Short term treatment- wean off gradually
Low dose in chronic conditions

METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION
ORALLY – by mouth eg liquid / tablet / capsule
INJECTION - intermuscular / intervenous / subscutanous
INHALATION – via mouth / nose

TROPICAL – via skin- cream / lotion / patch
DROPS – via ear / nose
SUPPOSITORIES – via rectum
PESSORIES – via vagina

INSTRUCTIONS
a.c. = before food
c = with ?food
p.c. = after food
Daily = once a day
eg mane = morning, nocte = night

Instructions
B.D. = twice daily or 12 hourly
T.I.D. = three times daily or 8 hourly
Q.I.D. = four times daily or 6 hourly
P.R.N. = as required
STAT = immediately