Utilizing critical reasoning and the nursing process, the student is expected to:
Describe types of orders, the components of a drug order, supply systems
Correctly perform dosage calculations
Understand and demonstrate the three checks and eight rights of medication administration
Describe types of medication errors and describe the protocol for the occurrence of medication errors
Differentiate between the various types of medication orders including:
a. Single dose/one time order
b. Standing order
c. STAT order vs. NOW order
d. Limited multiple dose order
e. PRN order
f. Stop dates
Describe factors affecting drug actions, health history, and physical examination to facilitate avoidance of harmful effects resulting from medication administration including:
a. Allergies, age, weight, gender, and medical diagnosis
b. Idiosyncratic effect
c. Impact of medications on body systems
d. Timing, environment, serum drug levels
Describe the procedure for correct preparation and administration of:
a. Scored tablets, extended release, enteric coated, liquids, chewable
b. Eye, ear and nose drops/ ointments
c. Vaginal and rectal suppositories
d. Transdermal patches
e. Sublingual medications
f. Metered dose inhalers
g. Sublingual and buccal medications
Describe intra-professional responsibilities related to administering medications
Identify common resources for obtaining information required for safe administration of medications
Apply knowledge of medications to include:
a. Generic and trade names
b. Expected action of the medication
c. Safe dosage range
d. Adverse reactions (toxic and side effects)
e. Interactions and incompatibilities
f. Nursing considerations/interventions
Demonstrate the ability to interpret a correct medication order
Describe the rules for safe-guarding narcotics in the clinical setting
Implement the ACC expectations for students administering medications in the clinical setting
1. Review module objectives.
2. Learning Resources:
Potter, P. A., Perry, A. G., Stockert, P. A., Hall, A. M., & Ostendorf, W. R. (2025). Fundamentals of nursing (12th ed.). Elsevier.
Chapter 31 Medication Administration,
pp. 626-634 (Stop at Systems of Medication Measurement),
pp. 638-663 (Start at Health Care Provider’s Role. Skip BOX 31.14 Administering Medications Through an Enteral Tube. Stop at Parenteral Medications),
pp. 675-690 (Start at Safety Guidelines for Nursing Skills. Stop at SKILL 31.4 Preparing Injections from Vials and Ampules)
Zerwekh, J. & Zerwekh Garneau, A. (2021). Nursing today: Transition and trends (10th edition). Elsevier Inc.
Chapter 20 Legal Issues, pp. 486 Medication Errors
**Bring to class and lab: Current Drug Handbook and Lab Pack**
3. Complete Critical Thinking Exercises
Medication Student Learning Guide
4. Supplemental Learning:
See Bb
5. Review module objectives and check for knowledge gaps.
6. Go to the Evolve website and review the module content and practice questions.