The Medication Order

1
The Medication Order

• Unit 11

2
Objectives

• State who may administer medications.
• Describe the nine parts of a prescription.
• State the two main classes of medicines according
  to federal law.
• List your responsibilities with regard to a
  patients request for a prescription refill.
• List seven guidelines for understanding the
  medication order.

3
Medication Order

• The drug prescribed by a physician
• Components of a medication order
• Name of the patient
• Name of the medication
• Dose/route of the medication
• Frequency of administration
• Date/time order was written
• Directions for administration
• Signature of authorized prescriber

4
The Prescription

• Written, legal document that gives directions for
  compounding, dispensing, and administering a
  medication
• 9 components of a prescription
• Purpose control the sale and use of drugs that
  can be safely and effectively used only under the
  supervision of a licensed physician.

5
Prescription Medications

• Two classes
• Prescription dangerous, powerful, or
  habit-forming.
• OTC (over-the-counter)
• Hard copies of prescriptions that have been
  filled, are kept on record for a minimum of 7
  years.

6
Other Types of Medication Orders

• Verbal Order (VO)-expressed by speech and not
  written out
• Telephone order (TO)-verbal order transmitted via
  a telecommunication system
• PRN order-medication is given on an as needed
  basis
• Routine order-course of action to be followed
  regularly

7
Other Types of Medication Orders

• Standing order-sets forth specific instructions
  for various patient situations
• Single order-given one time only
• Stat order-administered immediately
• Facsimile or electronic order-transmitted by a
  FAX machine by an authorized prescriber

8
Medicine Card

• Should be written out prior to the administration
  of any medication to a patient
• Include patient name, data about the drug, date
• Should be torn up after use and a new card is
  made for each drug you administer to a patient

9
The Medication Label

• Points of information include
• Trade or brand name of medication
• Generic name
• NDC (National Drug Code) numbers that can be
  used to identify the manufacturer, product, and
  size of the container
• Dosage strength
• Usual dosage
• Route of administration

10
The Medication Label

• Precautions/warnings
• Expiration date and the lot or batch code
• Label may also contain directions regarding the
  storage of the medication and the for mixing a
  powdered form of a drug