The Medication Order

Unit 11

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

patient’s request for a prescription refill.List seven guidelines for understanding

the medication order.

Medication Order

The drug prescribed by a physicianComponents of a medication order:

Name of the patientName of the medicationDose/route of the medicationFrequency of administrationDate/time order was writtenDirections for administrationSignature of authorized prescriber

The Prescription

Written, legal document that gives directions for compounding, dispensing, and administering a medication

9 components of a prescriptionPurpose: control the sale and use of

drugs that can be safely and effectively used only under the supervision of a licensed physician.

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.

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

Other Types of Medication Orders

Standing order-sets forth specific instructions for various patient situations

Single order-given one time onlyStat order-administered immediatelyFacsimile or electronic order-transmitted

by a FAX machine by an authorized prescriber

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

The Medication Label

Points of information include:Trade or brand name of medicationGeneric nameNDC (National Drug Code): numbers that

can be used to identify the manufacturer, product, and size of the container

Dosage strengthUsual dosageRoute of administration

The Medication Label

Precautions/warningsExpiration date and the lot or batch codeLabel may also contain directions

regarding the storage of the medication and the for mixing a powdered form of a drug