Elements and Performance Criteria
- Minimise risk to the safe administration of intravenous medication
- Check for pharmacology and substance incompatibilities
- Review issues related to drug administration with registered nurse
- Identify common contraindications and adverse reactions of prescribed intravenous medications
- Confirm client identity and check for any known allergies
- Maintain knowledge of drug schedules and classifications as determined by legislation
- Work with a knowledge of various forms of intravenous medication administration
- Assess the intravenous cannula site for any problems
- Prepare intravenous medications for administration to client
- Work with a knowledge of all intravenous administration routes and associated terminology
- Identify the purpose and function of prescribed intravenous medications for administration
- Identify common contraindications and adverse reactions of prescribed intravenous medications
- Accurately calculate dosages for administration of intravenous drugs
- Work with a knowledge of how intravenous medications are prepared in line with legislative requirements and environmental guidelines
- Use correct intravenous medication administration techniques and precautions specific to each client as per medication orders
- Administer intravenous medications within legal parameters
- Work with a knowledge of legal parameters for the administration of intravenous medications
- Administer intravenous medications within role responsibility accordance with the legislative requirements and organisation policy
- Store intravenous medications in a safe manner according to legislative requirements and health care organisation policy
- Work with a knowledge of organisation processes for quality management and risk assessment of administration of intravenous medication
- Monitor client response to administered intravenous medication
- Record administration of intravenous mediations in accordance with organisation policy
- Contribute to information provided to clients and carers on intravenous medication administration (including possible side effects)
- Recognise acute and delayed adverse reactions to intravenous medications and respond within role responsibility
- Implement emergency actions for identified acute and delayed adverse reactions within role responsibility
- Record and report response to emergency strategies
- Implement organisation procedures in the event of an intravenous medication incident