EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

• Clean tray to place the equipment

• 21 G needles for drawing medications

• 21, 23 or 25 G needles based on the route of administration

• Syringes

• Swabs- 70% isopropyl alcohol

• Drug to be administered

• Patients prescription chart

• Recording sheet and book

PROCEDURE

• Wash hands with bactericidal soap and water or bactericidal alcohol hand rub

• Before administering check if it is due and not been given already

• Check the information in the prescription chart and make sure all details are correct

Look into the patient’s prescription for the following

• Drug

• Dose

• Date and time of administration

• Route of administration

• Validity of the prescription

• Signature of doctor

Select the required medications and check the expiration date

METHOD

• Check the solution in the ampoule for any particulate matter or cloudiness

• Tap the neck of the ampoule

• Now cover the neck of the ampoule with cloth and snap it open. Use a file to hit it gently if it doesn’t open

• Withdraw the amount of medication required

• Now keeping the syringe vertical, remove any excess air from the syringe making sure not to spill any medication.

• Change the needle for a new one.

• Now, take the medication and the prescription to the patient.

• Double check the patient’s identity by asking the patient to state their full name and date of birth. Look at the identity band to check as well

• Explain the procedure to the patient and make sure to explain the action, and side effects of the drugs.

• Give the medication through the recommended route