Dear Nurses

ADDRESSING THE MAR ( MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION RECORD}

What is the MAR?

The MAR is the medication administration record.
It is a complete record which is kept on every patient.

It includes the patient's name, age, diagnosis, height,
weight and allergies. All medications ordered by the
doctor and a place to sign when medications are given.

Five rights:

There are 5 basic rights for medication administration.
Over time, more rights have been recognized. This may
vary from 7 or more. Always follow your Institution's
policies and procedures, in order to avoid errors.

The standards of care are an essential part of the
Nursing profession. It provides guidelines within a
framework of practices.

Learn more about : The standards of care

Learn more about : Nursing communication

PCA ( Patient Controlled Analgesia)

Patient Controlled Analgesia may be ordered by
the doctor for the patient who is awake, alert and
able to self medicate. This method of administering
pain medication , is done via a pump, through the
intravenous route. Dosages are decided by the doctor.

However, patient and family teaching should be
included in the care plan. It is not uncommon for
family members to press the pain button for the
patient. Sessions 12 gives an overview of pain
assessment.

Indications for the use of the PCA pump include:

- patients who have surgical intervention

- patients with cancer or chronic pain issues

- conditions such as pancreatitis, sickle cell

anemia and more.

The Numerical Pain Scale is a useful tool when
assessing pain. It is based on a scale of 0-10.

A ladder starts from the ground and escalates to|
the highest point, so does pain start from 0-10.

It is important to do a pain assessment after pain
medication has been given. See image for more
information.

DIABETIC CARE FOR NURSES - PART 1

Updated 8/25 This Chapter is no longer available.

Dear nurses,

New information has been added below.

Enjoy Learning!

Learn more about: DKA

Learn more about : Poor circulation

What is the MAR?

The MAR is the medication administration record.
It is a complete record which is kept on every patient.

It includes the patient's name, age, diagnosis, height,
weight and allergies. All medications ordered by the
doctor and a place to sign when medications are given.

Five rights

There are 5 basic rights for medication administration.
Over time, more rights have been recognized. This may
vary from 7 or more. Always follow your Institution's
policies and procedures, in order to avoid error.

HELPFUL INFORMATION WHEN ADMINISTERING MEDICATIONS

Updated 8/25

Dear nurses,

The image above, offers helpful information for
the clinical nurse.

What is the MAR?

The MAR is the medication administration record.
It is a complete record which is kept on every patient.

It includes the patient's name, age, diagnosis, height,
weight and allergies. All medications ordered by the
doctor and a place to sign when medications are given.

Five rights:

There are 5 basic rights for medication administration.
Over time, more rights have been recognized. This may
vary from 7 or more. Always follow your Institution's
policies and procedures, in order to avoid error.

Scenario 1: Lynn is a new RN. Her preceptor did
not do a good job explaining the correct way to do
an assessment. Lynn is not aware of the mistake
she is about to make.

Learn more about : Was an assessment done?

ADDRESSING PAIN ASSESSMENT

Updated 8/25

Dear nurses,

As we all know, pain is a common complaint.
It is important to recognize the cause, source
and to do an assessment on a scale of 1-10.

Pain medication is given to the patient complaining
of pain. Medication is usually ordered by the doctor.
The MAR is used for each patient.

Documentation of the pain medication given, the
pain scales from start to finish and the outcomes
of all medication, is also important.

Below are some scenarios associated with pain.

Learn more about: Aortic rupture

PACU

The nurse above is about to make a medication error.
This is very poor judgement on her part.

Here are some helpful pointers for good medication administration:
- Follow MD orders

- Remember the five or more rights
- DO NOT USE COLOR CODING AS YOUR ONLY GUIDELINE.
Remember, many pills may have the same color, but that does not
mean they are of equal strength.
- If you are a new nurse and you are uncertain, consult with a more
experienced nurse to help you out.

- Always follow your Institution's policies and procedures.

The Numerical Pain Scale is a useful tool when
assessing pain. It is based on a scale of 0-10.
A ladder starts from the ground and escalates to
the highest point, so does pain start from 0-10.