What precautions a health professional should take to ensure that the right patient receives the right drug?

First off, when they are looking at the order, if it's not comprehensible, should confirm it with the doctor.
Then, if an injectable, write the name of the patient on the syringe. Double check the dosage ordered to the dosage selected. Then double check the patient by asking them their name or if unable to speak, checking an arm band.

If oral medication, basically the same procedure minus writing the name on the syringe.

Good question. Sometimes I think it depends what the pharmaceutical sales rep. has brought into the doctor's office recently. Some doctor's carry electronic PDRs (physicians desk reference) with them so that they can enter information and find out what the best medication is for that particular patient based on their history, etc. Not all medications work for everyone. Sometimes the doctor does have to switch a medication to something else. That is common. And it doesn't mean that the doctor screwed up. Everyone responds differently to every medication.

You mean short of tatooing the id number on the upper lip?

FIVE RIGHTS OF MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION
1. Right Client
2. Right Medication
3. Right Route
4. Right Dosage
5. Right Time
2. Arrange MAR next to medication cart or cabinet medication trays and cups.
Organizes work space to save time and reduce the chance of error
3. Prepare Medications for Only one Client at a time.
Prevents Errors during preparation
4. Remove ordered medications from cart or shelf. Compare label on medication with the MAR and check the five rights of medication administration. Scan bar code if using bar code medication administration. If any discrepancy exists, recheck client鈥檚 chart and medication orders.
Check five rights of medication admin twice. 1st check occurs when removing the medication from storage area.
5. Calculate correct drug dosage if necessary.
Prevent Dosage errors
6. Prepare selected medications.
1) Unit Dosage: Place packaged medications directly into medicine cup or lay them on the try w/o unwrapping.
2) Medications from a multi-dose bottle: Pour tablets or capsules into the container lid, and transfer them into medicine cup. Return any unused tablets to bottle.
3) Medications from a bingo card: Snap bubble containing the correct medication directly over the medicine cup. Do not touch medicine.
Maintains cleanliness of drugs
4) Swallowing Difficulty: If client has trouble swallowing tablets, grind with, mortar and pestle or other drug crushing device until smooth, mix with small amount of applesauce or pudding. Do not crush enteric-coated tablets or extended release tablets.
Crushed enteric-coated tablets irritate gastric mucosa, and crushed extended-release tablets. This will alter drug absorption and duration of drug effect.


5) Liquid Medications: Remove cap and place on countertop with the inside up. Hold bottle so that the label is against the palm of hand. Fill until bottom of meniscus is at desired dosage. Discard excess liquid from cup into sink; do not pour back into bottle.
Prevents soiling of label when pouring and contamination of the medication in the bottle.
7. Take medication directly to clients鈥?room. Do not leave medications unattended.
Prevents potential medication errors.
8. Compare name on MAR with name on client鈥檚 ID band. If the client is not wearing and ID band, ask the client to state his or her name. Scan patient鈥檚 Id band if using BCMA.
Careful checking ensures administration of drugs t o proper client.
9. Complete and pre-administration assessment (i.e. BP, Pulse) required for the specific medications to be given.
Medications that have a direct action, such as decreasing pulse rate or BP, require assessment to determine if the medication can be given safely at that time.
10. Compare medications to MAR, and recheck the five rights of medication administration. If using unit dose medication, unwrap the mediations and place it in the before checking the five rights of the next medication.
The 2nd of the five rights occurs before administration to the client.
11. Explain the medication鈥檚 purpose to the client.
Protect client鈥檚 rights and encourages client鈥檚 participation in care and compliance.
12. Assist client to sitting position if necessary. Give the medication cup and glass of water to client.
The sitting position assists swallowing and prevents aspiration.
13. If client is unable to hold the medication cup, place pill cup to the clients lips and introduce the medication into his or her mouth. If a tablet or capsule falls on to the floor, discard and repeat preparation.
Medication that has fallen on the floor is contaminated.
14. Stay with client in till he or she swallows all medication. Look inside client鈥檚 mouth if client is cognitively impaired or has difficulty swallowing.
The nurse is responsible for ensuring that the client receives the ordered medications.
15. Dispose of soiled supplies, and wash hands.
16. Record time @ which medication assessment data collected.
Maintain legal record and prevents potential medication errors.
Life Span Considerations
鈥?Infant and Children
鈥?Tablets and Capsules are not recommended forms of medications in children under 5.
飪?Young children can not swallow them.
鈥?Do not interchange medication droppers between medications.
鈥?There are many different sized droppers make sure you always check the dosage.
鈥?Never tell children that you are giving them candy.
鈥?If able give children the choice of drinks when taking medications
飪?Offering choices make children want to participate in their care and it promotes self-esteem. (Craven 536)
飩?Older Adults
鈥?Normal changes in older adults include
鈥?Decrease salivation
鈥?Delayed esophageal clearance
鈥?Decrease stomach peristalsis
鈥?Decrease gastric acidity
鈥?Colon motility
All of these affect the client ability to take oral medications
鈥?Use of liquid medications can be helpful.(craven 536)



>> This is from my nursing labs and my text book and notes