Chapter 6 of 622% of exam
Pharmacology and Medication Administration
Pharmacology covers safe medication administration, expected effects, side effects, and client teaching. The LPN/LVN administers many medications and must understand routes, dosage calculation, monitoring parameters, and warning signs of adverse reactions. Careful technique and teaching protect clients from harm.
Principles of Safe Administration
Every medication is given using systematic safety checks and correct technique. The LPN/LVN verifies orders, calculates doses accurately, and observes for problems.
Apply the rights of administration
Confirm the right client, drug, dose, route, time, reason, and documentation.
Verify concerns before giving
If a client says a pill looks unfamiliar, hold it and verify the order and drug.
Calculate carefully
Use desired over available times the volume, and double-check high-alert calculations.
Use scored tablets correctly
Only scored tablets may be halved to reach an ordered dose such as 1.5 tablets.
Routes and Techniques
Correct technique for each route ensures the medication reaches its site of action and reduces injury. The nurse follows established methods for each route.
Give intramuscular injections safely
The ventrogluteal site is preferred because it avoids major nerves and vessels.
Administer subcutaneous heparin correctly
Do not aspirate or massage the site to reduce bruising.
Instill eye and ear drops properly
Place eye drops in the lower conjunctival sac; pull the adult pinna up and back for ear drops.
Give medications through feeding tubes
Verify placement, flush before and after, and do not crush enteric-coated tablets.
Monitoring Parameters
Certain medications require checking specific parameters before or during administration. These checks prevent dangerous effects.
Check apical pulse before digoxin
Count the apical rate for a full minute and hold for a rate below 60 in adults.
Monitor anticoagulation
Warfarin is monitored with prothrombin time and INR.
Watch electrolytes with diuretics
Loop diuretics like furosemide can cause hypokalemia.
Hold potassium when elevated
Do not give supplemental potassium when the serum level is high, such as 5.8 mEq/L.
Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
Recognizing side effects and serious reactions allows timely intervention. The nurse teaches clients what to expect and what to report.
Respond to opioid respiratory depression
Hold the opioid, stimulate the client, and notify the RN for a rate of 8 and sedation.
Stop infusions for allergic reactions
Itching, hives, and facial swelling require stopping the infusion and notifying the RN.
Report ACE inhibitor cough
A persistent dry cough should be reported for possible medication change.
Teach expected versus serious effects
Iron causes harmless dark stools, while metformin-related muscle pain and dyspnea may signal lactic acidosis.
Client Teaching and Adherence
Effective teaching improves outcomes and prevents medication errors at home. The nurse reinforces instructions for timing, interactions, and adherence.
Prevent acetaminophen toxicity
Do not exceed the maximum daily dose and check combination products for acetaminophen.
Complete antibiotic courses
Finish the full prescription and do not save or share antibiotics to reduce resistance.
Teach correct timing
Take levothyroxine in the morning on an empty stomach and separate tetracyclines from dairy and antacids.
Do not stop certain drugs abruptly
Taper corticosteroids as directed to avoid adrenal insufficiency.
Test your knowledge
Practice questions on Pharmacology and Medication Administration