a. The preparation and administration of medications is a serious responsibility.

Experience has shown that it is best to follow established policies and regulations pertaining to their administration. Such regulations vary depending on location, but the principles of safety do not vary.

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-1]

Safety regulations are effective only when they are understood and readily interpreted by those who use them. When in doubt and/or before departing from established policy, always consult with a more experienced person.

b. There are two medication systems presently in use in Army medical facilities.

One is the bulk drug system in which stock supplies are kept and from which individual dosages are prepared. The other is the unit dose system in which the unit dosage is prepared (and sometimes packaged) by the pharmacy. A unit dose package contains the ordered amount of a drug for a single administration in the proper form by the usual route. It is found in medicine carts.

Medicine carts generally have drawers for each room on the ward, with compartments within the drawers corresponding to the bed assignment of each patient. The compartment should have a medication slip which indicates the patient’s name, dosage, room and bed number, and required medication. The information may also be found on a medication Kardex as well as the patient’s chart.

c. As the medical specialist, you must perform a patient care handwash prior to preparing and administering medications.