NREMT EMT 4: Patient Treatment and Transport - Medication Administration

What This Is: Medication Administration

Medication administration is the process of giving patients the right medicine at the right time to help them recover from an illness or injury. Imagine you're on a plane and the oxygen mask drops down – you need to put it on yourself first, then help others. Medication administration is like that oxygen mask: it's crucial to get the right medicine to the right person at the right time.

Key Steps / Core Facts

• Medication Order: A doctor's written or verbal instruction to give a specific medicine (e.g., "Give 2 mg of epinephrine"). Why it matters: ensures the right medicine is given. Example: "A doctor orders 2 mg of epinephrine for a patient in cardiac arrest."
• Medication Label: The label on the medicine bottle or vial that shows the name, dose, and expiration date. Why it matters: ensures the right medicine is given. Example: "Check the label for the expiration date – if it's expired, don't use it."
• Medication Administration Route: The way the medicine is given, such as orally (by mouth), intravenously (IV), or intramuscularly (IM). Why it matters: affects how the medicine is absorbed and works. Example: "Give an oral medication with a full glass of water."
• Dosage: The amount of medicine given, usually measured in milligrams (mg) or milliliters (mL). Why it matters: ensures the right amount is given. Example: "Give 2 mg of epinephrine, not 20 mg."
• Frequency: How often the medicine is given, such as every 4 hours or as needed. Why it matters: ensures the medicine is given at the right time. Example: "Give the medication every 4 hours, or as needed for pain."
• Route of Administration (ROA): The way the medicine is given, such as orally, IV, or IM. Why it matters: affects how the medicine is absorbed and works. Example: "Give an oral medication with a full glass of water."
• Medication Compatibility: Ensuring the medicine is compatible with other medications or medical devices. Why it matters: prevents adverse reactions or interactions. Example: "Don't mix two medications that can interact, like warfarin and aspirin."
• Medication Expiration Date: The date on the label when the medicine is no longer effective. Why it matters: ensures the medicine is safe to use. Example: "Check the expiration date – if it's expired, don't use it."
• Medication Storage: Storing medicines in a safe and secure location, such as a locked cabinet. Why it matters: prevents unauthorized access or tampering. Example: "Store medications in a locked cabinet, out of reach of children."
• Medication Disposal: Properly disposing of unused or expired medicines. Why it matters: prevents environmental contamination and misuse. Example: "Dispose of expired medications in a sealed container, not down the drain."
• Medication Allergies: Identifying and documenting patient allergies to specific medicines. Why it matters: prevents adverse reactions. Example: "Ask about allergies before giving medication."
• Medication Interactions: Identifying and documenting potential interactions between medicines or medical devices. Why it matters: prevents adverse reactions or interactions. Example: "Don't mix two medications that can interact, like warfarin and aspirin."
• Medication Reconciliation: Verifying the patient's current medications and medical history. Why it matters: ensures accurate medication administration. Example: "Reconcile the patient's medications with their medical history."

What Laypeople Can Do

• If someone is having a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), call 911 and administer epinephrine if available (e.g., EpiPen).
• If someone is experiencing a heart attack or stroke, call 911 and provide basic life support (BLS) until EMS arrives.
• If someone is taking medication, ask about allergies and potential interactions with other medications or medical devices.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Giving medication without a valid order or without verifying the patient's medical history.
• Fix: Always verify the medication order and medical history before administering medication.
• Mistake: Not checking the medication label for expiration date or compatibility.
• Fix: Always check the medication label for expiration date and compatibility before administering medication.
• Mistake: Not documenting medication administration or potential interactions.
• Fix: Always document medication administration and potential interactions in the patient's medical record.

Quick Practice Scenarios

• A patient is experiencing a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – what should you do first?

Answer: Call 911 and administer epinephrine if available (e.g., EpiPen). Reason: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

• A patient is experiencing a heart attack or stroke – what should you do first?

Answer: Call 911 and provide basic life support (BLS) until EMS arrives. Reason: Heart attacks and strokes require immediate medical attention to prevent further damage.

• A patient is taking medication – what should you do first?

Answer: Ask about allergies and potential interactions with other medications or medical devices. Reason: Medication allergies and interactions can cause serious adverse reactions.

Last-Minute Exam Cram

• Normal vital sign ranges: pulse 60-100 bpm, blood pressure 90-140/60-90 mmHg, respiratory rate 12-20 breaths/min.
• Medication doses: epinephrine 1 mg IV, aspirin 325 mg orally.
• Medication administration routes: oral, IV, IM, subcutaneous (SC).
• Medication expiration dates: check the label for the expiration date.
• Medication storage: store in a locked cabinet, out of reach of children.
• Medication disposal: dispose of expired medications in a sealed container, not down the drain.
• Medication allergies: ask about allergies before giving medication.
• Medication interactions: don't mix two medications that can interact, like warfarin and aspirin.
• Medication reconciliation: verify the patient's current medications and medical history.
• AVPU: Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive (used to assess level of consciousness).
• SAMPLE: Size, Age, Medical history, Allergies, Pertinent past medical history (used to assess patient's medical history).
• OPQRSTI: Onset, Provocation, Quality, Region, Severity, Timing, Insurance (used to assess patient's symptoms).