Title: Administer or assist the client with self-administration of oral medications.
Course: Medication Aide (14051-36) > Section: Examining Administration of Prepared Instillations and Treatments

Administration should include

- following the guidelines for administering oral liquid medication:
  - Wash your hands thoroughly.
  - Wear clean gloves when applicable.
  - Identify the right client.
  - Read the MAR and compare with the HCP orders.
  - Get the medication container from the cart/cabinet and read the label to verify
    - right client
    - right medication
    - right dose
    - right route
    - right time.
  - Check the expiration date on the pharmacy medication label (not the manufacturer’s label).
  - Compare the label with the instructions on the MAR and read three times.
  - Do not mix or crush medication with food or liquids without a written order.
  - Do not combine liquids without a written order.
  - Pour the verified medication into the appropriate container.
  - Place your initials in the appropriate box on the MAR after administration.
  - Follow special documentation procedures if the medication is a Schedule II-IV medication.
  - Give the medications to the client immediately with the recommended amount of fluids.
  - Stay with the client until the medication is swallowed (check mouth PRN).
  - Close the MAR and lock the cart/cabinet if out of visual range.
  - Wash your hands thoroughly after administering the medications.
  - Administer the medications within a two-hour window unless otherwise specified.
  - Dispose of unused foods or liquids.
  - Restock the cart with supplies.
  - Clean and lock the cart/cabinet.
  - Observe the client for any unpleasant or harmful effects from the medication and report observations to a physician immediately.
- administering solid medication first and liquid medication second
- following the guidelines for administering oral solid medication:
  - Shake the bottle well unless instructed not to do so.
  - Place the cap from the bottle upside down on the counter or table after removing.
  - Use specially marked cups when pouring and measuring liquids.
  - Place the measuring cup at eye level when pouring and measuring.
  - When pouring, hold the bottle so that the label is covered with your hand, and then wipe the top of the bottle after pouring to keep the label from becoming soiled or illegible.
  - If too much medicine is poured, throw away the extra amount.
  - If giving two liquid medications at one time and one of the liquids is a cough syrup, give the cough syrup last (do not mix the two liquids together).

- following general guidelines for administering oral liquid medications
  - Use measurement devices intended for measuring liquid medications.
  - Do not mix liquid medications in the same measuring device.

Do not give medication

  - if the HCP order, the MAR, or the pharmacy label is missing or illegible.
  - if a client exhibits a significant change in physical or mental status.
  - if there is a question or any doubt about the five rights.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What might be the consequences if medication is mixed with food or liquids without a written order?
- Why should solid medications be administered before liquid medications?
- Why should the MA cover the label when pouring medication from a bottle?