WASHINGTON COUNTY SCHOOL OF PRACTICAL NURSING PRACTICAL NURSING II
Administration of Medication
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Administration of medication is a course designed to assist the student in giving medications as the beginning practitioner. Drug administration, including dosage calculations, is repeatedly reinforced with each body system unit. Pediatric formulas are incorporated into the Maternal-Child Nursing curriculum. Each student is supervised in the administration of medications on their assigned unit during their Medical-Surgical Nursing rotation.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this unit the student will be able to:
1. State laws and agencies which regulate drug production, distribution, and use.
2. Demonstrate the use of drug reference books.
3. Explain the ethical and legal responsibilities of the nurse when administering medication.
4. Calculate drug dosages for oral, parenteral and intravenous medications.
5. Interpret medication orders.
6. Identify the six rights of medication administration.
7. Identify appropriately sized needles and syringes used for intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous use.
8. Identify actions and adverse reactions of major drug groups.
9. Prepare medication from an ampule and vial.
10. Administer medication by the following routes:
A. Oral B. Sublingual C. Topical D. Ophthalmic drops and ointments E. Nasal drops/sprays F. Rectal/Vaginal suppository G. Subcutaneous H. Intramuscular I. Intradermal J. Inhalation 11. Calculate intravenous (IV) drip rates.
12. Implications, goals, and complications of IV therapy.
13. Choose appropriate supplies for IV therapy.
14. Maintain an IV or IV medications.
15. Identify different venous access devices.
16. Demonstrate on a manikin the proper procedure for starting an IV by venipuncture.
17. Discontinue an IV or Heparin Lock (INT).
PLACEMENT IN CURRICULUM:
This course (Administration of Medication) is taught throughout the clinical phase of the program. A total of 65 hours are assigned to this course. Prerequisites to this course are satisfactory completion of all Pre-Clinical subjects. Co-requisite courses are Medical – Surgical Nursing, Maternal – Child Nursing, Geriatric Nursing, and Mental Health Concepts.
TEACHING METHODS AND EVALUATION:
Teaching methods include lecture, group discussion, clinical experience, guest speakers, special reports/presentations, audiovisuals, handouts, required readings, and classroom practice.
The final course grade is determined as follows: Review Tests (Pharmacology) 25% Post Tests (Drug Therapy) 50% Exam 25%
In order to receive a passing grade, the student must achieve a cumulative grade of 81% (class of 2006), 82% (class of 2007), and 83% (class of 2008).
MAKE-UP WORK:
Students are expected to take tests and quizzes and turn in all written assignments and projects on the date scheduled. If a student is absent, arrangements for make-up work must be scheduled with the instructor on the day they return to class. This conference must be done within three (3) days of return to school. Students who do not complete assigned work or test will receive a final grade of F.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS:
1) Rosdahl, C.B. and Mary T. Kowalski. (2008). Textbook of Basic Nursing. 9th edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Wilkens, and Wilkins (LWW). 2) Rosdahl, C.B. and Mary T. Kowalski. (2008). Study Guide to Accompany Textbook of Basic Nursing. 9th edition. Philadelphia: LWW. 3) Mosby’s Medical, Nursing, and Allied Health Dictionary. (2010). 9th edition. St. Louis: Mosby. 4) Roach, Sally S. (2010). Introductory Clinical Pharmacology. 9th edition. Philadelphia: LWW. 5) Deglin, Judith H. and April H. Vallerand. (2012). Davis’ Drug Guide for Nurses. 13th edition. Philadelphia: F. A. Davis. 6) Ogden, Sheila J. (2012) Calculation of Drug Dosages. 9th edition. St. Louis: Mosby.
AUDIOVISUALS:
1) “Administering Oral, Topical, Suppository and Inhalant Medication”. Medication Administration. Corapolis: Pocket Nurse. 2) “Administering Intramuscular, Intradermal and Subcutaneous Injections”. Medication Administration. Corapolis: Pocket Nurse. 3) “Essentials of Blood Therapy”. Corapolis: Pocket Nurse. 4) “Equipment Preparation”. Essentials of IV Therapy. Irvine: Concept Media. 5) “Access and Medication Administration”. Essentials of IV Therapy. Irvine: Concept Media. 6) “Prevention Complications and Discontinuing the IV”. Essentials of IV Therapy. Irvine: Concept Media.