Social Care

375

ADMINISTER MEDICATION TO INDIVIDUALS

Unit overview
Elements of competence
375a
375b

Prepare to administer medication to individuals
Administer, report on and monitor individual’s medication

About this unit
For this unit you need to prepare for, administer and monitor the effects of medication on
individuals. You will also have to be able to record on and store medications correctly. The unit
applies to all medication used for and by individuals, both prescribed and non-prescribed. This unit
is intended to be used in a variety of care settings including hospitals, nursing and residential
homes, hospices, and community settings including the individual’s own home and GP surgeries. It
does not cover the use and administration of intra-venous medication.
Scope
The scope is here to give you guidance on possible areas to be covered in this unit. The terms in
this section give you a list of options linked with items in the performance criteria. You need to
provide evidence for any option related to your work area.
Adverse reactions may include: swelling; allergic skin reaction; tachycardia/bradycardia;
anaphylaxis; hypertension/hypotension; pain on injection.
Appropriate action may include: call for help; deal with collapse.
Equipment may include: medicine trolley; medicine pots; spoons; syringes; containers; wipes;
drinking glasses; water jug; disposal bag; medication administration record sheets/charts.
Immediate problems may include: refusal to take medication; inability to take the medication eg nil
by mouth; asleep; collapse; anaphalaxis.
Methods (check identity) may include: verbally with the individual; using other communication
methods; identification bracelet.
Physiological measurements may include: blood pressure – possibly lying and standing; pulse
rate; temperature; respiratory rate – some of these will be taken before administration; others will
be taken after; monitored before; monitored after.
Relevant staff may...