Pharmacological Therapies

What are the six rights of medication administration?

Right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time, and right documentation.

What two patient identifiers should the nurse check before giving a medication?

Two acceptable identifiers, such as full name and date of birth (or medical record number) — never the room number.

When are the three checks of the medication label performed?

1) When retrieving the medication from storage, 2) when preparing or pouring it, and 3) at the bedside before administering it.

How should a sublingual tablet such as nitroglycerin be taken?

Placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve completely — the patient should not chew, swallow, or eat/drink until it dissolves.

Where is a buccal medication placed?

Between the cheek and the gum, where it dissolves and is absorbed through the oral mucosa.