Administration of Medications Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Administration of Medications - Research Paper Example For instance, intravenous (IV) furosemide directed too hurriedly can have adverse effect of causing deafness. In the same way, too much of topical steroids applied on the body can cause tapering of the skin and various dangerous side-effects. In the opinion of Shane (2009), medication administration can be considered as the â€Å"sharp edge† in the medication-use process, because errors occurred at the prescribing, dispensing, or transcribing stages, if not detected, will result in the patient receiving the medication in error. There are two factors that decide whether or not the medication will meet the anticipated site of action in the body of the patient. They are; The bioavailability of the drug: - Bioavailability is the amount of administrated medication that can affect the systematic circulation and thereby available for circulation to the anticipated site of action. Routes of administration: - The routes of administration consist of the method of carrying out the admini stration of drug. For the effective drug therapy and desired patient outcome, it is essential to recognize the advantages, implications, and disadvantages of the routes of administration. The administration of medication is the prime responsibility of the nurse. The procedure of administering medication involves supporting the patient with a substance given, medication, or deterrence of a clinical illness or situation. The main function of medication administration refers to the specific and absolute delivery of a medication to the patient. The nursing staff must be familiar with the large set of practices in order to attain safe and effective patient outcomes and to organize for and analyze the outcome of medication administration. The first step of medication administration starts with the prescription written by the physician and passes through different channels including nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, etc. Nursing Responsibilities in Administration of Me dication Primarily, the nurse while administrating medication should keep in mind the five rights of medications; right patient, right drug, right time, right dose, and right route of administration (Washington Poison Center, 2008). The nurses must be familiar with the responsibilities and should be duty bound to carry out these responsibilities while administering medication. The nurse should make sure that no medication is given to the patient without an accurate clinical order from a doctor clearly specifying the medication, dose, route, and schedule. To ensure the homogeneity, the medication in the solution should be shaken well before it is parted from the main drug container. In the same way, extra care should be applied while extracting drugs from large containers, and rim of the container must be wiped after taking solutions or suspensions. While administering medication, the nurse must make sure that the drugs are kept in order in a proper place, ensuring that they are not freely accessible to patients or the public. The medications must be preserved well from air, light, and moisture and only those labeled properly must be maintained in the storage. Each medication should be carefully examined regarding its storage, refrigeration and expiration dates. Hughes and Blegen (2008) point out that restricted medication like narcotics should be preserved in lockers and proper records must be maintained on the use of such medication. Nurse must be very careful while dealing with the drugs, knowing exactly the abbreviations of the mediations as well as their action, dosage, indication, route, effects, etc. It is important not to touch drugs, especially tablets and pills

Heart Transplant Team Clinical Journal Term Paper

Heart Transplant Team Clinical Journal - Term Paper Example I have had the opportunity to attend to a number of heart transplant operations and carefully observed what transpires during this process. This has given me a background of the activities related to heart transplant operations. Secondly, I have had the opportunity to apply the nursing process in real life situation. In this regards, I have been able to collect a variety of population data from both the clinic and the community sources. I am now able to analyze such data both qualitatively and quantitatively. Basing on this knowledge, I am now able to help in the process of formulating goals and objectives for patient care and give an analytical feedback that can be applied in improving various nursing processes. I have reviewed cases regarding the determination of the need for health promotion and illness management shortcoming with the aim of implementing the best plan interventions basing on the best practice guidelines. Besides, I am now in a position to evaluate the effectivenes s plan interventions basing on the socio-cultural, economic, spiritual, environmental and developmental factors. I have had the opportunity to discuss with the preceptor on issues relating to the effectiveness, the evidence and the ethics of various plan interventions. ... I have established a rapport and gained as much client confidentiality as possible. Further, I am now able to carry out various documentation protocols, utilize the information technology systems and collaborate with my colleagues and staff effectively. Finally, with regards to professional practice, I am glad that I am better placed to maintain professional code of conduct and good behavior during practicum. Besides, I am now able to abide by all the agency’s regulations and policies. 2) What has been the most significant or meaningful learning outcome for you during clinical? The most eminent learning outcome I have achieved this far, is related to the application of the nursing process. Ever since my childhood, I have intrinsically wished to be a nurse. My efforts towards the achievement of this dreams has been inexorable. Thus, I feel great when I know I have the obligation to make a change in people’s lives. Application of the information I have gained in class in real-life clinical practice gives me am internal satisfaction I have always longed for. Seeing myself taking part in extending someone’s life and helping families hold onto their loved ones who are under my care, perpetuate my desire to take part in various other activities related to nursing activities. 3) As you reflect on your clinical experience, what knowledge and skills have you gained that will be helpful to you as a professional? Almost each and every learning outcome during my nursing training has been of great significance during my clinical experience. To begin with, the knowledge I have attained relating on how to attend to carry out patient interviews, perform physical assessments, obtain laboratory specimens and utilize specialty equipment has been very