Medication Administration for Resource Parents

Medication Administration Guiding Principles

Caregivers of children will inevitably give them medication at some point. It is crucial caregivers are informed of the guiding principles for medication administration.

Responsibilities in Administering Medications

It is important that Resource Parents are fully informed of their responsibilities in administering medications.

Legal Issues

Legal issues in medication administration include children’s rights, refusal of medication, and confidentiality.

Obtaining Information about Medications

Resource Parents must be fully informed about any medication they give a child.

When medication is obtained, use the reference sheet from the pharmacy.

Other sources of information include the doctor, pharmacist, nurse, current drug reference book, Internet or DCS Health Advocacy Nurse.

The Importance of Having Information about Medications

To be familiar with common medications given to the child

To learn about new medications prescribed for the child

To understand why the medication is prescribed and learn of side effects

To be able to observe and report if there is a beneficial change

To be able to observe and report side effects causing harm or discomfort

Purpose of Prescribing Medications

Maintain Health Treat Disease Relieve Symptoms Prevent Disease Alter Body Processes Diagnose Disease

Actions and Effects of Medication

Drug Overdose

A drug overdose is the accidental or intentional use of a drug or medicine in an amount that is higher than is normally used. The amount of a drug needed to cause an overdose varies with the type of drug and the person taking it.

Tennessee Poison Control Center

1-800-222-1222

Five Rights of Medication Administration

1. Right Person

2. Right Drug

3. Right Dose

4. Right Time

5. Right Route

What do you do?

Angela is 16 ½ years old and has been prescribed Celexa for depression. The medication was started two weeks ago at her appointment with a nurse practitioner at the community mental health center. This morning when you get Angela’s Celexa ready, she informs you that she does not want to take it anymore.

Proper Procedures for Administering Medications

Oral Tablets & Capsules Oral Liquid Medication Topical Medication Nasal Medications Eye Drops/Ointments Ear Drops Inhalant Medications

Rectal Medications Vaginal Medications Auto-Injectors for

Allergic Emergencies Subcutaneous

Administration of Medication (Insulin)

Documentation

Resource Parents must keep a record for each child on prescription medications.

Safe Storage and Control of Medication

Must be single locked at minimum at all times

Must be stored in containers with original labels

If requires refrigeration must be kept cold

Cannot be left out for child to take later

Must be stored to avoid access by child

Disposal of Medication

Medication that is stopped, expired, unidentifiable or missing or unreadable label must be destroyed

Medication that is refused or contaminated must be destroyed

Problems with medication must be reported to prescribing provider or pharmacy

Disposal of Medication

Do not flush medication down the toilet due to the risk of contamination of area streams and water sources.

Ask your pharmacist if the pharmacy will accept old medicines back from patients.

Check to see whether your area has a community household hazardous waste collection program.

Disposal of Medication

When disposing of medication in the garbage:

Keep the medication in the original container. Scratch out your name for security purposes.

Add a small amount of water to pills, or an absorbent material like flour or cat litter to liquid medications, to discourage their use.

Put the medication container in a paper bag or some other type of container to conceal, then toss as close to your trash pickup time as possible.

Medication Errors

Wrong Person

Wrong Medication

Wrong Dosage

Wrong Time

Wrong Route

When a Medication Error Occurs

Notify the prescribing provider and the DCS Case Manager

Follow all instructions given by the prescribing provider and write down any problems you see

If the child is in acute distress, call 911 or your emergency response number

Components of Informed Consent

Diagnosis Nature of Medication Name of Medication Dosage and Frequency of Medication Expected Benefits Possible Risks and Side Effects Available Alternatives Expected Outcome

Informed Consent for Psychotropic Medications

Youth Age 16 Years and Older

Biological Parent or Guardian

DCS Health Advocacy Nurse

What do you do?

Jamie is 8 years old and was placed in your home last evening. The DCS Case Manager left a prescription bottle of Ritalin when he dropped Jamie off and instructed you to give Jamie one pill every morning. This morning you are preparing to give Jamie his medicine and you realize there are only two pills left in the bottle. You also remember from your medication administration training that you are supposed to have a signed Informed Consent for Psychotropic Medication and the Case Manager did not give you one.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION!

Medication Administration for Resource Parents