Administer medication to individual and monitor the effect

Unit 4222-616
Administer medication to individuals and monitor the effects
Outcome 1
Understand legislation, policy and procedures relevant to administration of medication.

1) Identify current legislation, guidelines policies and protocols relevant to the administration of medication.

Legislation
The medicines Act (1986)
It governs the manufacture and supply of medicines. The act also defines the categories of medicines, those that can only be supplied with a prescription, those that must be supplied by a pharmacist but do not need a prescription and those that can be brought on generally. The Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) The main purpose of the act is to prevent the misuse of controlled drugs. It Puts in place the law that allows the production, supply and possession of Controlled drugs.
The Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) Regulations (1973)
This regulation is about how controlled drugs are stored. The Requirements change depending on the premises where the drugs are being stored. The Handling of medicines in Social Care (2007)
This is published by the RPSGB and is very useful document covering all aspects of medication in a social care setting.
Health and Safety at work Act (1974)
The Act provides legal framework to promote, stimulate and encourage high standards of health and safety in the work place. Everyone has a duty to comply with this Act. Health and Social Care Act (2008)
The Health and Social Care Act give standards that have to be met by those providing care.
Data Protection Act 1998
When handling personal information about individuals you have a number of legal obligations to protect that information under the data protection act.

Unit 4222-616
Administer medication to individuals and monitor the effects
Outcome 1
Understand legislation, policy and procedures relevant to administration of medication.

1) Identify current legislation, guidelines policies and protocols relevant to the administration of medication.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH)
The COSHH Regulations impose a number of obligations on employers the object which is to promote safe working with potentially hazardous chemicals.
Guidelines from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB)
The Royal Pharmaceutical society of Great Britain is the regulatory body for pharmacists and provides guidelines and information.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)
NICE was established as special Health Authority in April 1999 The role of NICE is to provide guidance, set quality standards and manage a national database to improve peoples health and prevent and treat ill health.
The British National Formulary (BNF)
The BNF provides UK healthcare professionals with authoritative and practical information on the use of medicines.
The Commission on Human Medicines (CHM)
The Commission is regulatory body for medicines and healthcare products
The Care Quality Commission (CQC)
The CQC regulate all organizations that provide care, they provide standards for organizations to adhere to. The regulation that is relevant to medication is Management of medicines regulation 13.
Organisational policy on medication
All organization involved in the administration of medication has policies and procedures for the safe handling of medicines. The policy will cover Prescribing, dispensing, administration, storage and disposal. The medication policy is based on Acts of Parliament, Regulations and guidelines.
Care Plans of the individuals that state their needs and medication they are using.

Unit 4222-616
Administer medication to individuals and monitor the effects
Outcome 2
Know about common types of medication and their use

1) Describe common types of medication including their effects and potential side effects.

Name: Analgesics (Paracetamol)
Effects: Analgesics are used to relieve pain such as headaches.
Potential side effects: Addition to these can happen if taken over long periods of time. Also irritation of the stomach, liver damage and sleep disturbances.

Name: Antibiotics (Amoxicillin)
Effects: Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria.
Potential side effects: Diarrhoea, feeling sick and vomiting. Some people get a fungal infection such as thrush.

Name: Antidepressant (Cipramil)
Effects: Antidepressant work by changing the chemical balance in the brain and that can in turn change the psychological state of mind.
Potential side effects: Blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, increased appetite, restless, shaking or trembling and difficulty in sleeping.

Name: Anticoagulants (Warfarin)
Effects: Anticoagulants are used to prevent blood clotting.
Potential side effects: Risk of excessive bleeding (Hemorrhage) passing blood in urine, faeces, severe bruising, prolonged nose bleed.

Name: Antihistamines (Piriton)
Effects: Antihistamines are used to treat the symptoms of allergic reaction.
Potential side effects: drowsiness, impaired thinking, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, blurred vision and an inability to fully empty bladder.

Unit 4222-616
Administer medication to individuals and monitor the effects
Outcome 2
Know about common types of medication and their use

2) Identify medication which demands the measurement of specific physiological measurements.

For certain medications it is important that other checks are made before and after administering.
Blood sugar should be checked before administering insulin.
An individual’s pulse must also be taken before administering medication for heart irregularities such as dioxin.

Unit 4222-616
Administer medication to individuals and monitor the effects
Outcome 2
Know about common types of medication and their use

3) Describe the common adverse reactions to medication, how each can be recognised and the appropriate actions required.

Common adverse reactions to medication can be Nausea, vomiting, Diarrhoea, constipation, headache, fever, dry mouth and skin rash.
Swelling to lips or face which could be a sign of anaphylactic shock other signs are swelling of the hands, face and body, Redding of the skin, sweating, blotches, faintness and difficulties in breathing this needs urgent action as can be fatal. Reactions usually occur within an hour of taking the medication sometimes It can develop a few weeks after and may cause damage to the kidney or Liver. If individuals have any reactions to the medicines then organisational Policies and procedures should be followed. Inform my manager, deputy or on call. Phone the doctors, Pharmacist to seek advice. If the reaction is serious, then call for an ambulance. The individual would be observe and monitor and the medication Stopped.
It’s important that all information in the individual care plans, daily reports and MAR is recorded and kept up to date.

Unit 4222-616
Administer medication to individuals and monitor the effects
Outcome 2
Know about common types of medication and their use

4) Explain the different routes medicine administration.

Ingested/Oral: This is the most common method for the administration of medication that is taken via the mouth. This can be in forms of tablets and capsules. If an individual finds it difficult to swallow tablets oral medication is also available in liquids, suspensions and syrups. These medicines can be given by care workers once they have had medicine training.
Inhalation: The medicines used in Inhalation within inhaler which are used for individuals who have respiratory condition as these deliver the medication directly to the lungs. Appropriately trained staff can support individuals to take this medication.
Topical: Topical medication comes in the form of creams and gels and is applied directly to the skin. Creams and ointments can be applied by care workers after appropriate training.
Intra-aural: Medication administered to the ear, when there is a medical condition in the ear medicine may be delivered by instillation. This is when drops are delivered in a controlled way so the fluid stays within the area. The drops should be given by an appropriately trained worker.
Intra-ocular: Medication administered to the eye. This is normally in the form of drops or ointments. The drops should be given by an appropriately trained worker.
Rectal: The administration of rectal medication is an invasive procedure this is a small plug (A suppository), this medication absorbed very quickly. To administer medication via this route, you must have specialised training.
Vaginal: This medication comes in the form of a small plug (a pesary). Pessaries are designed to deliver medication for a localized medical problem in the vagina or to deliver medication to organs close by. To administer medication via this route, you must have specialised training.

Unit 4222-616
Administer medication to individuals and monitor the effects
Outcome 2
Know about common types of medication and their use

1) Explain the different routes medicine administration.

Intravenous: The administration of a drug or fluid directly into the vein. This is carried out by qualified healthcare personnel doctors, nurse and paramedic. The medication goes directly into a vein and usually over a period of time which ensures a rapid up take of the medicine or fluid.
Injections: medication that is usually delivered by syringe and needle.
Subcutaneous: This is an injection under the skin, can be given by appropriately trained care worker.
Intramuscular: This is an injection into the muscle. Only given by doctors and appropriately trained registered nurses and paramedics.

Unit 4222-616
Administer medication to individuals and monitor the effects
Outcome 3
Understand procedures and techniques for the administration of medication.

1) Explain the types, purpose and function of materials and equipment needed for the administration of medication via different routes.

Gloves must be worn and hands washed before and after administering medication by all routes.
Oral: This is medication that can be taken via the mouth commonly in the form of tablets, using a non touch technique these should be administered direct from the MDS system if being used in the care home this is tablets and capsules only contained in blister packs. Medication cups and spoons can be used to administer these. Some tablets must not be crushed as this can change how the medication works.
Inhalation: For those with respiratory difficulties inhalers are used and can be either worked by the individual when they breathe in or set automatically to activate when the individual breathes in which is measured by the doctor prescribing this. Nebulisers can also be used and work differently a liquid is placed into a chamber at the base of a mask, a fine mist of the medication is released into the mask and the individual inhales.
Topical: Topical medication comes in the form of creams and gels and gloves should be worn and instructions should be followed.
Intra-aural: Medication administered to the ear hands should be washed before and gloves should be worn, instructions should be followed, gloves should be disposed and hands washed afterwards.
Intra-ocular: Medication administered to the eye hands should be washed gloves should be worn, instructions should be followed, gloves should be disposed and hands washed afterwards.
Rectal: The administration of rectal medication is an invasive procedure this is a small plug a suppository hands should be washed apron and gloves should be worn instructions should be followed gloves and apron should be disposed and hands washed afterwards.
Unit 4222-616
Administer medication to individuals and monitor the effects
Outcome 3
Understand procedures and techniques for the administration of medication.

1) Explain the types, purpose and function of materials and equipment needed for the administration of medication via different routes.

Vaginal: This medication comes in the form of a small plug a pesary hands should be washed apron and gloves should be worn instructions should be followed gloves and apron should be disposed and hands washed afterwards. Injections: medication that is usually delivered by syringe and needle.
Subcutaneous: This is an injection under the skin, hands should be washed gloves and apron should be worn, equipment should be disposed following the correct procedures for disposing of sharps and hands washed.
Intramuscular: This is an injection into the muscle. Hands should be washed gloves and apron should be worn, equipment should be disposed following the correct procedures for disposing of sharps and hands washed.
Intravenous: This is an injection into the vein. Hands should be washed gloves and apron should be worn, equipment should be disposed following the correct procedures for disposing of sharps and hands washed.

Unit 4222-616
Administer medication to individuals and monitor the effects
Outcome 3
Understand procedures and techniques for the administration of medication.

1) Identify the required information from prescription/medication administration charts.

Prescription
The Prescription must be dated, the Name of the Medication.
The dose, how frequently it should be taken and by which route.
The Prescription must have the name and signature of the person who has prescribed the medicine and their contact details.
The Name, address and date of birth of the person the medicine is for.

Medication
Date of dispensing, the name of the medicine prescribed the dose and frequency of the medicine, the route by which the medicine should be taken, when the medicine should be taken, full name of recipient who the medicine is for.
Special instructions, warnings and cautions, Name of the pharmacy, use by date and Keep out of reach of children. Medical Administration record (MAR)
This is an official record and states all the medication that the individual you may support is receiving.
The MAR should included
Name of individual, date of birth, known allergies to medicine, information provided by pharmacist. Name of medication, dates prescribed, prescriber, quantities, dose, forms routes of administration, time to be given, date the medicine received, date the medication creased and who authorized this and conditions that may affect medicines being taken.
As the MAR chart is a working document it must be signed to record administration of medicine by the member of staff giving the medicine and must be dated when the medicines are administered

Unit 4222-616
Administer medication to individuals and monitor the effects
Outcome 5
Administer and monitor individual’s medication.

1) Describe how to report any immediate problems with administration.

Anyone who will be administering medication in a care setting must be trained first and in this training you are made aware of the importance of all the laws, legislation, policies and procedures into administering medicine.
This training also covers errors in medication as it just as important. All errors in medication should be reported straight away and it is equally important that errors are recorded. Failure to declare an error could be serious for the individual and may lead to litigation against the company and yourself.
When there is an error in medication administration it’s important to follow the correct policies and procedures.
This should state the steps to follow.
A person in charge (manager) checks the individual who medication error it is.
Inform the individual what has happened.
Seek Medical Advice.
Inform senior manager, on call or owner.
Record error on the individual’s care plan, daily records, health records and MAR sheet.
Complete an incident report.
Send a report to the individuals GP.
Inform individual’s relatives if necessary.
Send a report to the regulatory authority (CQC)

Unit 4222-616
Administer medication to individuals and monitor the effects
Outcome 5
Administer and monitor individual’s medication.

2) Explain why it may be necessary to confirm the individual actually takes the medication and does not pass the medication to others.

To make sure that the individual is taking their prescribed medication and that their condition does not deteriorate. It is workplace policy to check medication is taken by the individual.
If an individual gives their medication to another individual this could result in other individuals overdosing, taking medication that isn’t prescribed for them this could cause them to feel ill or can be fatal.

3) Describe how to dispose of out of date and part used medication in accordance with legal and organisational requirements.

There are different pieces of legislation and guidelines in place regarding the ordering, storage and disposing of medicines, these legislation and guidelines should be stated in policies and procedures.
Surplus, unwanted or expired medicines should not be stored in residential care setting. They cannot be used for anyone else. They should not be placed in house hold waste.
All surpluses, unwanted or expired medicines should be stored safely until they can be returned to or collected by the pharmacy who supplied them who then dispose of them in the correct safe way. A record of all medicines leaving the setting should be recorded these should include.
The individuals name, the name, strength and quantity of medicine, the date the medicine is returned, Signature of person returning the medicine, signature of the pharmacist receiving the medicine and a receipt should be obtained.