Things to be remembered that Medications are given according to the "five rights"
1. Right Patient
2. Right Drug
3. Right Dose
4. Right Time, and
5. Right Route
Some references add to that a "Right Documentation" so it becomes "sixth right".
When you give medication to the client / patient, you should also check at least three times according to the Five Rights of Medication Administration.
- When the medication container is removed from storage
- When the medication dose is removed from the container / ampule
- When the medication is returned back to storage
There are commons routes of Medication Administration :
- PO : by mouth, the medication is given orally
- Sublingual : the medication is given under the tongue
- Subcutaneous : the medication is given into adipose tissue. Usually given at a 45-degree angle with a 1.2 to 1-inch long needle.
- Intramuscular : the medication is given into the muscle, given at a 90-degree angle with a long needle to pass through adipose tissue and enter the muscle.
- Intravenous : the medication is given into vein
- Topical : the medication is given on the skin
- Rectal : the medication is given into the rectum
- Intrathecal : the medication is given into the spinal canal.
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