Administer Medication to Individuals and Monitor the Effects

[Student Name]
[Subject]
[Date]

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 Table of Contents
Introduction to the Following Discussion........................................................................................3

1. Understand Legislation, Policy and Procedures Relevant to Administration of Medication......3

1.1. Current Legislation, Guidelines, Policies and Protocols for Medication Administration....3

2. Common Types of Medication and their Use..............................................................................3

2.1 Common Types of Medication and their Effects...................................................................3

2.2 Medication Demanding Specific Physiological Measurements.............................................4

2.3 Common Adverse Reactions to Medication..........................................................................4

2.4 Different Routes of Medicine Administration.......................................................................5

3. Understand Procedures and Techniques for the Administration of Medication..........................5

3.1 Types, Purpose and Function of Materials and Equipment for Medication Administration. 5

3.2 Required Information from Prescriptions..............................................................................5

4. Prepare for the Administration of Medication.............................................................................6

4.1 Applying Standard Precautions for Infection Control...........................................................6

4.2 Ways to Ensure the Appropriate Timing of Medication........................................................6

4.3 Individual Consent and Information, Support and Reassurance for Patients........................6

4.4 Select, Check and Prepare the Medication Correctly............................................................7

5. Administer and Monitor Medication...........................................................................................7

5.1 Route for the Medication Administration..............................................................................7

5.2(a) Safely Administering the Medication: According to Legislation and Local Policies.......7

5.2(b) Safely Administering the medication: Avoiding Pain, Discomfort and Trauma..............7

5.3 Reporting any Immediate Problems with the Administration...............................................8

5.4 Monitor Condition and Recognising Adverse Effects with Prompt Action..........................8

5.5 Necessity of Taking Medication and Not Passing the Medication to Others........................8

5.6 Maintaining Security of Medication and Related Records throughout the Process..............9

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 5.7 Return Medication and Related Records to the Correct Place for Storage............................9

5.8 Disposing Out-Dated and Part-Used Medications According to Legal and Organisational
Requirements...............................................................................................................................9

Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................10

References......................................................................................................................................11

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Introduction to the Following Discussion
Medication safety is an important element of practice that goes hand in hand with the
responsibilities of professionals working in healthcare organizations and social care facilities
globally (Al-Worafi, 2023). Public health nursing also involves the key essentials such as general
knowledge relative to laws and policies, and awareness of diverse medications, their
complications, and side effects. Hence, this report looks forward to providing a comprehensive
overview of the major factors that are entailed in the process of administering drugs to people
and the liaison of their effects accordingly.
1. Understand Legislation, Policy, and Procedures Relevant to Administration
of Medication
1.1. Current Legislation, Guidelines, Policies and Protocols for Medication Administration
Several legislations and policies prescribe the way medication is given in healthcare
organizations. The main legal guidelines are laid down in the Medicines Act of 1968 that govern
the production, distribution, and use of medicine products explicitly and responsibly (Taylor,
2022). The Care Quality Commission (CQC) also has the basic standards for the safe
administration of medicines in care homes and other premises delivering social care.
Other relevant policies and protocols which are important are identified and listed below.
 Guidelines regarding the management of medicines in care homes and social care
locations from NICE
 The regulations relating to human medicines are contained in the Human Medicines
Regulations 2012.
 The provision here under consideration includes the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and
regulations made thereunder.
 Terms and conditions imposed by the natives or the healthcare facilities in charge of the
patients
 Healthcare individuals are expected to have knowledge and work under these laws,
guidelines, and organizational policies regarding medication administration.

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2. Common Types of Medication and their Use
2.1 Common Types of Medication and their Effects
Some common types of medication administered in social care settings are identified and
illustrated critically below.
Analgesics (Painkillers): These are drugs that are commonly used to help one cope with
inflammation and act as analgesics for frequent underlying conditions such as headache,
neuralgia, pain in the muscles, and many others by containing paracetamol, ibuprofen, and
similar contents. Some of the possible negative effects of analgesics are inclusive of the stomach
being upset, kidney disorders, and coagulation disorders (Anekar et al., 2023).
Antidepressants: Such medications are inclusive of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRIs) and Tricyclic antidepressants which are used in cases of depression and anxiety
disorders. Potential risks of antidepressants are inclusive of causing vomiting, difficulty in
sleeping, dizziness, and headache, and it might lead to falls as well in some extended situations
(Szałach et al., 2019).
Antihypertensive: These medications include ACE inhibitors, and diuretics, used in the
treatment of high blood pressure. The possible adverse effects of antihypertensive encompass
dizziness, fatigue, and variants of irregularities in body fluid mineral balance which can become
serious if not diagnosed and overcome promptly (Bondre et al., 2020).
2.2 Medication Demanding Specific Physiological Measurements
Certain medications require monitoring of specific physiological measurements which are
identified and evaluated as below.
Anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin): Screening for blood clotting time (International Normalised
Ratio) is necessary at a fixed interval, especially for patients taking warfarin. This medication
requires a constant measurement of INR to determine the proper dosage for the patient and
ensure responsible administration (Beurskens et al., 2020).
Antidiabetic Medications: Some of the assessment indicators that need to be monitored
continuously are identified and listed below.
 Blood glucose levels
 Lithium: Coming with the need to regularly have a check on the levels of lithium in the
bloodstream

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2.3 Common Adverse Reactions to Medication
Adverse reactions to medication are quite common whereas some of them which are reported
frequently are identified and illustrated below.
Allergic Reactions: Some of their signs and symptoms include rash, swelling, and difficulty in
breathing among others. It is recommended to contact the YFC doctor immediately upon
experiencing the feeling or go to the nearest health facility as soon as possible (Patton and
Borshoff, 2018).
Gastrointestinal Disturbances: Vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea might be experienced as usual
side-effects being adverse for an individual. It would be advised by a practitioner to change the
current dose being consumed or the kind of drug that is prescribed to the patient (Fikree and
Byrne, 2021).
Central Nervous System Effects: Light-headedness, fatigue or sedation, and disorientation can
be experienced commonly and frequently as well. Special attention should be taken while
engaging in activities that might demand a keen reception (Sherrington, 2023).
Cardiovascular Effects: Unintentional and significant increase or decrease in blood pressure or
heart rate is reported commonly among surveyed patients as well. Observation and likely
changes of the dose may be required to minimize cardiovascular impacts as they can be serious if
left untreated in the long term (Leopold and Loscalzo, 2018).
Such reactions should not be overlooked by the caregivers and the correct measures, which may
include consultation with a doctor, a change in the dose, or complete withdrawal of the drug,
should be taken immediately.
2.4 Different Routes of Medicine Administration
Medications can be administered through various routes which are identified and evaluated
individually, as below.
 Oral (by mouth): Tablets, capsules and liquids
 Parenteral (Injection): IM, SC and IV
 Topical: Creams, ointments, and patches rub on the skin
 Inhalation: Metered-dose inhalers, nebulizers
 Rectal: Suppositories
Thus, there remains a question of the choice of the route of administration which depends on the
properties of the given medication, the conditions of the patients along their ability to

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administrate the medication independently minimizing their dependence on an assistant or a care
provider at all times.
3. Understand Procedures and Techniques for the Administration of
Medication
3.1 Types, Purpose, and Function of Materials and Equipment for Medication Administration
Administering medication via different routes requires specific materials and equipment. These
can be acknowledged through various measures which are identified and listed below.
 Oral Administration: Medication cups, spoons, and water are to be used while taking
medication.
 Parenteral Administration: Syringes, needles, alcohol swab Sharps, Boxes, and Sharps
Disposal container.
 Topical Administration: These are touting, mitts, gauze
 Inhalation Administration: Microphones, salsa, bananas
 Rectal Administration: The applicators of suppositories Gloves
They are employed in different tasks, such as the right portions to dispense, defining cleanliness
to avoid the spread of diseases, and the right methods of delivering them timely and adequately.
3.2 Required Information from Prescriptions
Before giving any medication, it is essential for the CAA to ensure that they check prescriptions
or medication administration charts for some of the important details to be verified, which are
identified and listed below.
 Details of the particular person for example their name and date of birth
 The name of the medicine, the quantity taken, and the preparation used are identified
from this.
 Route of administration
 The administration frequency and the time at which it was conducted
 It may contain recommendations that need to be followed depending on the circumstance.
 Name and signature of the prescriber
This information eradicates the possibility whereby some patients might be given the wrong
medication, in the wrong strength, wrong methods of administration, and at the wrong time.

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4. Prepare for the Administration of Medication
4.1 Applying Standard Precautions for Infection Control
Before handling or administering medication, caregivers must follow standard precautions for
infection control, which are identified and illustrated below (Hassan, 2018).
 Washing of hands or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers
 In compliance with the TCP Azures safety guidelines, hand gloves and aprons should be
worn by all employees.
 Adhering to the cleaning schedules and ensuring that the working space is neat.
 Disposing of used materials and other sharp objects properly and safely
The above measures are useful in containing the spread of infections as well as protecting the life
of the individual as well as the carer.
4.2 Ways to Ensure the Appropriate Timing of Medication
One of the important aspects is the correct timing regarding the use of medication which plays a
vital role in the overall efficiency of a medication. Strategies to achieve this objective
successfully are identified and listed below (Look and Stone, 2018).
 Adhering to the MAR (Medication Administration Record)
 Taking medications at certain times of the day, or using a pillbox to help remember the
times to take them.
 Engaging the person with the condition and their family members in the process
 Detecting possible drug interaction with other drugs or foods
In this way, compliance with the taking schedule allows for keeping the desired level of the drug
and minimizes possible complications.
4.3 Individual Consent and Information, Support and Reassurance for Patients
Caregivers are only allowed to give out medication after the patient has agreed to take the
medicine. This can be inclusive of certain important elements which are described below.
 Describing the reason for prescribing the medication, advantages, and disadvantages of
taking it
 The counselor will listen and respond to any possible queries that the individual may
have
 Additionally, the character should provide encouragement and consolation throughout the
procedure

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  Full adoption of the right of the patient to reject a particular medication
 Supra, the Language used by caregivers should also be straightforward depending on the
information processing skills of the individual.
4.4 Select, Check, and Prepare the Medication Correctly
To ensure the right medication is administered, caregivers must adhere to a set of responsibilities
carefully which are identified and evaluated as below.
 Verifying the right medication by comparing it with either the prescription or the
medication administration record.
 One should look at the packing of the medicine right from the expiry date to the
production date of the medicine.
 Observe the preparation of the right quantity in consultation with the medication
information leaflet or other instructions.
This procedure assists in reducing the risk of making the wrong doses or prescribing the wrong
drugs to the individual to obtain the correct treatment.
5. Administer and Monitor Medication
5.1 Route for the Medication Administration
The general path of medication should be arrived at by looking at the particular medication
administration record of the user along with the particular medicine in question as well.
Caregivers must also prepare the administration site, if necessary, which can be done through
certain measures listed below (Wondmieneh et al., 2020).
 Washing the surroundings with an antiseptic solution
 Positioning the individual adequately or making them comfortable
 They ensure that the privacy of patients is observed along with their dignity is respected
during treatment as well.
 Preparing them properly also reduces the risks of getting the medication wrong and
administering it in the wrong way.
5.2(a) Safely Administering the Medication: According to Legislation and Local Policies
It is also important to note that in giving out medication, the caregivers adhere strictly to all the
laws on medication, policies, and directives down to the local level. Some of these policies and
laws can be outlined below (Alnahas et al., 2020).
 Adhering to the recommended requirements such as the amount and how often

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  For the selected route, proper administration techniques have to be employed
 Recording of the administration properly and time effectively
5.2(b) Safely Administering the medication: Avoiding Pain, Discomfort and Trauma
Amputation of limbs and surgical procedures that result in extensive operations cause fear in the
Nurses Limitation of movement and sitting down for long periods and inability to do activities
that they used to enjoy. Pain and discomfort due to the disease and its complications Physical
exhaustion among patients during this period Forfeiting independence and freedom as well as
loss of job opportunities due to complications that arise from the disease Impotence, lack of
sexual desire, and depression Inability to endorse (Hsu et al., 2019). Additionally, caregivers
should ensure that they have given the medication in the best way possible to reduce pain,
discomfort, and trauma to the person. This can be achieved in some effective ways outlined
below.
 Employing the correct methods and tools
 Being detailed in instructions and calming the patient
 Conducting the procedure while allowing the particular patient, to self-administer as
much as possible
 Any unfavorable reactions should also be closely supervised and dealt with as soon as
possible
5.3 Reporting any Immediate Problems with the Administration
Wherever there are complications or adverse effects faced by the patients when on a particular
drug, the caregivers should follow the reporting procedures and the measures that ought to be
taken concerning the side effects. These can be inclusive of the measures stated below.
 To reject the use, inform the prescribing Healthcare Professional or the emergency
services
 Procedures for identifying the occurrence and steps that were rendered
 Providing basic treatment or emergency treatment depending on the conditions existing at
the time of the assignment.
However, if it is reported early and proper steps to address it are taken, then the severity of the
negative effects caused by the mentioned problem can be reduced and the rate at which they
deteriorate can be slowed.

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5.4 Monitor Condition and Recognising Adverse Effects with Prompt Action
During the administration of the medication besides the time when the medication is being given,
it becomes the duty of the caregivers to monitor the client for side effects. If any are observed,
appropriate actions must be taken without any delays. Any of these must be addressed promptly
with specific actions that are, as follows:
 To cure or relieve the situation, factually eliminate the drug or decrease the serving size
to half or even a quarter.
 Protecting or healing the manifestations of the harm
 Panic/discrete communication to or from the doctor if required
This may be done by treating the cause of the reaction or other aspects related to it and directing
attention toward the patient to eliminate any compromise coming along with this condition.
5.5 Necessity of Taking Medication and Not Passing the Medication to Others
At times it might be important to establish that the patient has indeed ingested the medication
and has not sold it to other people. This is especially true for those drugs that are categorized
under controlled substances or those that are prone to abuse or misuse. Reasons for confirming
medication ingestion are identified and evaluated as below.
 The aim is to ensure that the intended treatment is availed to the individual.
 Ensuring the controlled diversion and or misuse of the medication
 Supervising compliance with the regime established in the framework of the
implementation of the treatment plan.
 To ensure that the person has taken the medication, the caregivers might have to watch
the individual take it or use specific packaging or systems to administer the medication.
5.6 Maintaining the Security of Medication and Related Records throughout the Process
Security of medication and the records that pertain to it is important to avoid misuse of these
medications diverting them or even making wrong entries. Caregivers should follow strict
protocols for important measures which are detailed below.
 Keeping all actual or prescription medication products in a secure and lockable location.
 Restricting access to the medication storage areas
 Disposing of drugs that are not needed or have expired
 Adhering to proper documentation of the administration of medications
 Preserving the privacy of the medication record of an individual

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Such precautions aid in checking the abuse of drugs and possible negative effects on the health
of the user.
5.7 Return Medication and Related Records to the Correct Place for Storage
Whenever medicine is given to nursing residents, it is the responsibility of the caregiver to
ensure that any leftover medicine together with documents regarding medicine administration is
placed in the right place where it cannot be accessed by unauthorized personnel. This is inclusive
of the following:
 Putting back the medicine into the appropriately locked cupboard
 Making medication administration records in the right place
 Modifying any forms or records that are stored or maintained electronically.
 Accountability is maintained through putting the evidence into proper storage to achieve
continuity of care and record keeping.
5.8 Disposing Out-Dated and Part-Used Medications According to Legal and Organisational
Requirements
Disposing of outdated or part-used medications requires certain procedures that are as per the
legal as well as organizational norms. These can be inclusive of the following:
 Administrating the medications and properly labeling the remaining ones to prepare for
disposal.
 Appropriate disposal containers and methods (sharps container, medication disposal
pouch)
 Recording the process of disposal of the records and keeping some records
It is helpful to adhere to any directives that might have been provided concerning the disposal of
controlled substances or hazardous medications. It greatly helps in avoiding cases of improper
use and polluting the environment with the wrong disposal of medications.
Conclusion
Summarising the discussion provided above, it can be concluded that it is a precise procedure to
provide medicines and observe the reaction followed by many technicalities that call for definite
legal and jurisprudential knowledge. Due to the preparedness and the response to possible
complications, more specifically regarding medication, caregivers need to understand the nature
of different types, possible side effects, adverse reactions, preparation and administering
procedures, and monitoring. According to the rules and procedures of the institution, records

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must be kept and people supervised from the time when medication is prescribed till the time
when it is taken by the client, risks of medication and the permission it carries, hence means that
proper protocols must be followed in the administration process, thus promoting safety and
efficiency extensively. They are also effective and beneficial in the social care setting, similar to
helping to improve the health status of a person or different individuals while at the same time
fostering the highest standards of professionalism needed in social care practices in the long
term.

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