572 UNIT-9 (Chapter - 10)

Administration of Medications

By irrigating a body cavity eg. flushing of eye, ear, vagina, bladder.

By spraying e.g. nose, throat.

4. Pulmonary route or Inhalation Route: Medications that are administered by this

route are readily absorbed and work rapidly. eg: Nebulisation, steam inhalation.

STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE OF DRUGS AND NURSES RESPONSIBILITY

Introduction

The Drugs which are supplied to Wards are stored in drug cupboards to provide a
uniform supply of drugs to the patients. The drugs are stocked in containers, such
as boxes and on flexible racks and shelves, etc. There should not be any damage due
to high temperature or exposure to sunlight. The drugs are to be stored as per the
prescribed conditions of their storage. The drugs stored in a drug store be
arranged in such a way that they are easily traceable as and when required. Drugs
that should be kept at low temperatures must be placed in the refrigerator.

Drugs are stored in drug cupboards

a) According to pharmacological action or

b) Alphabetically

Drug Storage: Storage of the drug must be done in such a way that the drug should
be accessible and should not cause any alteration in its chemical composition.

1. Proper drug storage.

2. Storage Environment.

3. Arrangement of drugs on shelves.

4. The storeroom.

5. The dispensary.

1. Proper Drug Storage

Drugs are stored in a specially designed secure area or space of a building to:

Avoid contamination or deterioration ●

• Avoid disfiguration of labels

Maintain the integrity of packaging and so guarantee quality and potency of drugs
during shelf life.

. Prevent or reduce pilferage, theft, or losses.

● Prevent infestation of pests and vermin.

The storage should not hinder the cleaning and should have sufficient space for the
movement of stocks and handling.
· Products are to be stored in a manner that prevents damage due to excessive
vertical stacking heights and not to exceed eight stacks.

Store the products as per product storage conditions.

● Monitor and record the temperature of the storage area on daily basis.

● Routinely refer to drug interaction charts or drug reference sources and commit
common interactive drugs to memory.

● Do not use any substandard abbreviations and symbols.

● Read the leaflet of the drug carefully when giving a new drug the first time.

Do not make assumptions of illegible orders. Clarify it before administering the

drug.

• Do not accept incomplete orders and telephonic or verbal orders.

● Double check with a client who has allergies about all new drugs as they are
added to the treatment plan

● ● Question if a drug form is used in an unfamiliar way. Document all medication

as soon as they are given.

2. Storage environment

● Cold storage facilities.

● Humidity control.

● Clean conditions.

● Adequate temperature.

● Adequate shelving to ensure the integrity of the stored drugs.

NURSING FOUNDATIONS - II

Sufficient lighting.

Drugs to be stored under conditions that prevent contamination and "Well closed
container" precautions to be taken concerning the effects of the atmosphere,
moisture, heat, and light. "Protected from moisture" means that the product is to
be stored in an airtight container.