Administration of Medication

UNIT 4222 – 616 ADMINISTER MEDICATION TO INDIVIDUALS   AND MONITOR EFFECTS

Outcome 1 – Understand legislation, policy and procedures relevant to administration of medication
1       There are numerous Acts and Regulations that cover the administration of medication, these include -        
Health and Social Care Act
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
COSHH (Control of substances hazardous to health)
Medicines Act 1968 stating a doctor/pharmacist is responsible for supply of medication only on receipt of a prescription)
Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This controls the use of controlled drugs, preventing misuse of these.
Company medication policy providing administration guidelines and procedures
Misuse of drugs Regulations 2007. This specifies how drugs are to be handled, stored and the recording of such drugs.
Safer Management of controlled drugs Regulations. This specifies how to store, administer and dispose of controlled drugs
Outcome 2 – Know about common types of medication and their use
      2.1     Below is a table specifying some common drugs, effects and potential side effects.

DRUG | EFFECTS | POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS |
Analgesics | Relives minor aches and pains, reduces fever, anti inflammatory | Ulcers, addiction, liver damage, stomach bleeding |
Anti coagulants | Prevent blood clotting | Haemorrhages, sever bruising, prolonged nosebleeds, blood in vomit, chest pain, difficulty breathing |
Anti depressants | Change chemical balance in the brain | Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, restlessness, increased appetite, sleep difficulties |
Antibiotics | Treats bacterial infection | Diarrhoea, nausea, thrush, kidney problems, blood disorders |
                         
2.2     Medication which requires specific physiological measurements include drugs such as-
Insulin – a pinprick blood test is needed so that glucose can be measured before the insulin is administered
Warfarin – blood levels must be checked regularly as warfarin is a blood...