Patient/Resident Identification for Safe
Medication Administration
Medication Administration
Two Identifiers:
Name and Date of Birth
Resident identification and allergy check:
Verify 2 identities using Name and DOB
Review allergies before giving meds
Medication Drawer Protocol:
Medication drawers contain only the medications the patient is currently receiving.
Unneeded medications are returned to the Pharmacy.
Open the patient’s eMAR and select
the Group Tab to view due medications.
Final Checks:
Verify all medications have been scanned in the Group Tab.
Return unscanned medications to the drawer.
Supplemental Identifier:
Use a photo in the medical record as an additional
identifier when available.
STAT Orders:
Administer within 15 minutes of availability.
Preparation and Administration:
Only the administering nurse prepares the medication, including placing sealed medication in the medication cup.
Only one medication drawer is opened at a time
What does a green check indicate
the correct patient.
Confirmation and Documentation:
Select Confirm; Paragon prompts for missing details (e.g., parameters, late meds).
Display the Chart Medication box.
Open medication in front of the patient, administer, then select Chart Medication.
Medication Administration Record (MAR) Check:
The nurse verifies identifiers on the MAR. No match no meds.
Education on Refusals:
Educate resident on medication importance, notify LIP, and document in Educ. UDA.
Responsibility and Documentation:
The nurse documenting the administration is solely responsible for preparation and administration.
Medication Inquiry:
Ask if the patient will take all due medications.
What is the last step?
repeat for next patient
Wristband Requirements:
Replace faded wristbands to ensure clear identification.
Pain Medications and Personal Medications:
Evaluate effectiveness within 60 minutes and document.
Return to family if possible; otherwise, store in pharmacy.
Medication Inspection:
Visually inspect vials and wrappers for integrity. Use only medications identified by BNBMC Pharmacy. Report any abnormalities (e.g., discoloration, odor) to the Pharmacy; do not administer.
Medication Not Given:
Select the Not Given box and choose a reason: either Medication Refused or Medication Contraindicated
What is eMAR
the digital version of the traditional paper medication administration records used in healthcare facilities.
How many steps are there
4
Medication Security:
Medication rooms, carts, and cabinets MUST be locked.
Access restricted to RN, LPN, and Rapid Response Team.
Nurses keep keys on person.
for bedside Medications not left at bedside; nurse remains until oral medications are swallowed
If unused Return promptly to pharmacy.
Timing of Administration:
Administer medication within a one-hour window of the prescribed time whenever possible.
Medication Preparation and What the checkmarks mean
Scan each medication as per the Group Tab: Green check mark: Full dose scanned. Orange pill icon: Below the ordered dose, scan another dose. Red check mark: The above-ordered dose; cancel and rescan if needed.
How many steps are there?
8