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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Elements define the essential outcomes.
2. The performance criteria specify the level of performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.
3. Interpret and clarify orders and instructions for medication
   • Receive, correctly interpret and clarify written and verbal orders and instructions for medications with medical practitioners and other senior health staff
   • Identify potential drug interactions and refer to an appropriately authorised person
   • Check written and verbal medication instructions against published medications information resources
   • Recognise special precautions and contraindications with the use of particular medications and refer to an appropriate person
4. Prepare medication
   • Access medication according to organisational procedures and policies and within scope of own role and legislative requirements
   • Use published medications resources to determine the appropriate route or method for administration of medication
   • Correctly identify medication dosage in standard treatment manual or calculate mathematically
   • Measure out required dose or volume of medication accurately using required and/or relevant equipment
   • Confirm with relevant authorised person the calculated and measured medication dosage to be administered
5. Administer medications safely
   • Administer medications appropriately, observing universal precautions and aseptic handling procedures, in line with organisation, legal and regulatory requirements
   • Prepare a hygienic and sanitised environment for the administration of medications
   • Assist in the administration of medications by appropriate methods and routes, observing standard precautions and in line with organisation, legal and regulatory requirements
   • Identify any adverse events or allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, related to medication and take appropriate action in line with standard protocols
   • Dispose of used equipment, packaging, medical waste and other products according to manufacturer’s instructions, infection control and organisational procedures and policies
6. Instruct and monitor clients to self administer medication
   • Prepare, or assist client to prepare, medication for self administration as required
   • Demonstrate to client correct use of relevant equipment for self medication
   • Guide client through the process of self administration of medication and provide assistance as necessary
   • Confirm with the client the completion of self administration
   • Instruct and educate client to dispose of used equipment, packaging, medical waste and other products according to manufacturer’s instructions, infection control and organisational procedures and policies
7. • Keep client file up to date by completing all relevant records relating to the specific medication administered, including access, storage and disposal requirements
   • Store all relevant documentation securely according to organisation policies and procedures
8. Administer medications safely
   • Administer medications appropriately, observing universal precautions and aseptic handling procedures, in line with organisation, legal and regulatory requirements
   • Prepare a hygienic and sanitised environment for the administration of medications
   • Assist in the administration of medications by appropriate methods and routes, observing standard precautions and in line with organisation, legal and regulatory requirements
   • Identify any adverse events or allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, related to medication and take appropriate action in line with standard protocols
   • Dispose of used equipment, packaging, medical waste and other products according to manufacturer’s instructions, infection control and organisational procedures and policies
9. Document administration procedures
   • Keep client file up to date by completing all relevant records relating to the specific medication administered, including access, storage and disposal requirements
   • Store all relevant documentation securely according to organisation policies and procedures

Performance Evidence

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role.

There must be evidence that the candidate has

administered medication by each of the following routes or methods at least once:

- oral

- sublingual/buccal

- dry powder inhalers

- metered dose/spacer inhalers

- nebulisers

- oxygen therapy

- topical medications

- suppositories

- subcutaneous injection

- intramuscular injections

- intravenous injections

- Z-track injections

- intravenous infusion/cannulation fluid

safely administered medication on at least three occasions to a range of clients across the lifespan by

- observing and applying the Six Rights of Medication, being:

o Right person

o Right dose

o Right route

o Right medication

o Right time

o Right documentation

- consulting and confirming actions with an authorised practitioner at all relevant times

- determining medication requirements, including:

o consulting client and other relevant support persons for medication history and allergies

o reviewing relevant documentation

o identifying options, active ingredients, indications, contraindications, precautions, side effects, interactions of medications and accurate client information

o maintaining records of client medication

- interpreting orders and instructions for medication, including:

o receiving written and verbal orders and instructions from authorised persons/practitioners

o documenting orders and correctly interpreting them

o consulting medical practitioners and senior health staff for clarification on medication instructions

- using published medication references and resources to where appropriate

- referring queries of potential drug interactions and contraindications to appropriate personnel

- where appropriate, supporting clients in their choice, access to and use of traditional and western medications including:

o providing information to clients on mechanisms of action, dosing and possible side effects

o identifying, supporting and promoting traditional/bush medications and traditional healers

o providing and explaining Consumer Medications Information to clients

o instructing clients on self-administration of medications

- documenting administration of medication according to legislative requirements and organisation procedures and policies.

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role.

This includes knowledge of:

The Six Rights of Medication, being:

- Right person

- Right dose

- Right route

- Right medication

- Right time

- Right documentation

differences between generic and trade names for medication

application of standard and additional precautions in the administration of medications

awareness and application of infection control and sterile environment policies and procedures

understanding of medication commonly used and effects on the body

pathophysiology associated with these systems, including acute chronic condition and conditions associated with a specific body system

pharmacology to address pathophysiology, including:

- antibiotics

- analgesics

- contra indications

- complications

- psychiatric medications

- oral hypoglycaemics

- insulin

awareness of reaction to medication administration, including:

- indications

- contraindications

- complications

- adverse effects

- interactions

presenting symptoms and signs that may impact on medication administration, including:

- bruising, swelling, cuts and abrasions

- appearance of eyes, ears, mouth and gums

- blood pressure, respirations and temperature

- emotional and mental state

correct techniques for medication preparation and administration for adults and children by the following routes or methods:

- oral medication, including counting of tablets, preparation of syrups using graduated measure and/or syringes, Webster Packs, scored tablets, cutting devices and dosette boxes

- sublingual/buccal, including usage of unopened and dated medication

- dry powder, metered dose and spacer inhalers, including operation of accuhalers and aerolisers

- nebulisers and oxygen therapy, including selection of appropriate equipment selection (oxygen cylinder or air pump)

- topical and transdermal medications, including prevention of self absorption

- suppositories, including use of lubricant and client positioning

- subcutaneous injections, including preparation of syringe and angle degree for insertion

- intramuscular and Z-track injections, including correct sites for babies, children and adults for injection, preparation of syringe and angle degree for insertion

- intravenous injections, infusion/cannulation including required equipment, inspection and preparation of cannula site, and follow up observation

- management of cold chain medications including differences between and use of purpose built vaccine and domestic refrigerators, transport and storage

- anaphylaxis management, including checking for signs of moderate or severe anaphylaxis and possible causes

organisational, legislative and regulatory requirements for transport, storage, use, dispensing and safe disposal of medications

different methods of medication administration and reactions for adults and children

requirements of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

Quality Use of Medicines and the Consumer Medication Information

National Medication access and review initiatives for Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander people

special considerations in use of medications, including:

- complicating factors of chronic illness

- pregnancy and lactation

- renal impairment

- anti-coagulant therapy

- potential drug interactions

- babies, children, adults and the elderly

- informed consent and understanding of the client

types of locally available/used traditional bush medications and their uses, benefits, side effects and interaction with other medications

complementary roles of traditional or bush healers

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