Skill – PO Medication Administration

NUR 170

PO Medication Administration

Gather equipment and review MAR / EMAR for allergies and medication issues
Identify meds needing assessments like labs or apical pulse
Perform hand hygiene
Move to medication prep area or med cart
Prepare meds for one patient at a time
First check: confirm correct meds are in drawer
First check: know each medication’s action
First check: verify meds make sense for the patient


Second check: compare medication label with MAR / EMAR
Place unit-dose meds in cups without opening package
Withdraw med from vial or ampule if needed
Bring MAR, meds, scanner, supplies, and water to bedside
Keep medications in sight at all times
Perform hand hygiene
Identify patient with 2 unique identifiers
Scan patient barcode on ID band
Ask patient to state name and date of birth
Compare patient info with MAR / EMAR
Check name and DOB on ID band
Ask whether patient has allergies
Complete needed assessments before giving meds


Assist patient to upright or side-lying position
Offer water or approved fluids with oral meds
Assess ability to swallow pills
Ask if patient wants meds by hand or in cup
Third check: recheck med label with MAR / EMAR
Scan each medication separately
Open package and administer medication
Explain purpose and action of each medication
Stay until each medication is swallowed
Never leave medication at bedside