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
Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH (control of substances hazardous to health), the Medicines Act, the Misuse of Drugs Act, the Health and Social Care Act (Regulated Activities) and the Essential Standards, the RPS Handling Medicines in Social Care Guidelines, Health Act 2006.
Outcome 2 - Know about common types of medication and their use
1. Describe common types of medication including their effects and potential side effects
Paracetamol - Side effects of paracetamol are rare but can include a rash or swelling – this could be a sign of an allergic reaction, hypotension (low blood pressure) when given in hospital by infusion (a continuous drip of medicine into a vein in your arm), liver and kidney damage, when taken at higher-than-recommended doses (overdose). ferrous sulphate (iron deficiency) - Possible side effects are allergic reaction e.g. itchy skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, constipation occasionally causing faecal impaction, diarrhoea, stomach pain, feeling sick and blackened stools.
Warfarin (anticoagulant) - possible side effects are hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, skin changes, or discoloration anywhere on your body, little or no urinating, urine being dark in colour.
2. Identify medication which demands the measurement of specific physiological measurements
Drugs like insulin (blood has to be taken from a pinprick so that glucose can be measured before the insulin can be given), warfarin to thin the blood - again blood levels must be checked regularly, digoxin to slow and steady the heart (pulse should be checked prior to administration and