medicating-children.pdf - MEDICATING CHILDREN PREVENTING...

MEDICATING CHILDREN
PREVENTING
MEDICATION ERRORS
AND GENERAL
CONSIDERATIONS

----
Medicating Children - Preventing Medication
Errors and General Considerations
COURSEINTRODucnON
Administering medication to children is a unique challenge
requiring specialized knowledge and skills. Each child's age,
background, and level of physical and psychosocial development
must be considered, and the administration process tailored to
meet these particular needs. In addition, children are particularly
vulnerable to medication errors. The nurse must also pay close
attention to the type of medication being administered, the dosage
and the route.
To complete this course, you must do the following:
a. Read the Overview and Course Objectives.
b. Study the Terminology.
c. Study the Content Review.
d. Complete the Learning Activity.
e. Complete the Post Test.
To receive 1 hour of Continuing Education credit for the COUIse,
turn in your completed Learning Activity, Post Test, and
Ed uca tiona I Activity Evaluation to your Instructor.
If
you are
taking the course on a home study basis through Medcom, return
the materials to: Continuing Education Coordinator, Medcom,
Inc., 6060 Phyllis Drive, Cypress, CA 90630.
OVERVIEW
The material is organized around the following categories:
• Introduction
• The Five "Rights" of Pediatric Drug Administration
• Preventing Medication Errors
• Coaching Children
• Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Injections
• Administering Oral Medications
• Otic, Ophthalmic and Nasal Administration
• Conclusion
Medicating Children - Preventing
Medication Errors and General Considerations

Medicating Children - Preventing
PURPOSE/OVERALL GOAL
The pmpose of this program is to provide nurses with guidelines
for administering medication to children of different ag es and
development levels with emphasis on appropriate techniques and
the elimination of medication errors.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
After completing this course the learner will be able to:
• Define the five "right s" of pediatric drug administration.
• Describe specific guidelines for writing prescriptions.
• Administer medication to children using a firm, yet
positive approach.
• Select suitable injection sites for medication.
• Effectively administer oral, otic, ophthalmic and nasal
medications to children.
• Understand the nurse's role in the administration of
children's medications.
• Use appropriate strategies for administering medication to
children of different developmental levels.
2
Medication Errors and General Considerations
)
,J

---
Terminology
Elixir A form of liquid medication for oral use with the
medication usually carried in a sweetened alcohol.
Five Rights Of Pediatric Drug Administration A
mnemonic device for preventing medication errors. The five
rights are: Right Patient, Right Drug, Right Dose, Right
Route, and Right Time.