| A | B |
|---|
| Gather equipment | This comparision helps to identify errors that may have occured when orders were transcribed |
| Know the actions, special nursing considerations, safe dose ranges, purpose of administration, and adverse effects of the medications to be administered | This knowledge aids the nurse in evaluating the therapeuticeffect of the medication in relation to the patient's disorder and can also be used to educate the patient about the medication |
| Perform hand hygiene | hand hygiene prevents the prevents the spread of microorganisms |
| Move the medication cart to the outside of the patient's room or prepare for administration in the medication area | Organization facilitates error-free administration and saves time |
| Unlock the medication cart or drawer. Enter pass code and scan employee identification, if required | Locking of the cart or drawer safeguards each patient's medication supply. Hospital accrediting organizations require medication carts to be locked when not is use. Entering pas code and scanning ID allows only authorized user for documentation by the computer |
| Prepare medications for one patient at a time | This prevents errors in medication administration |
| Read the MAR and select the proper medication from the patient's medication drawer or unit stock | This is the first check of the label |
| Compare the label with the MAR. Check expiration dates and perform calculations, if necessary. Scan the bar code on the package, if required | This is the second check of the label. Verify calculations with another nurse to ensure safety, if necessary |
