overview of medication issues and administration of medications in school adebola e. orimadegun
TRANSCRIPT
Overview of medication issues and administration of medications in school
Adebola E. Orimadegun
Healthy children Learn Better
Important to know that:“children bring their whole life to school with them……and it doesn’t fit in a locker.”
Many children require medications while at school, so that they can be active participants in the classroom
What does National Drug Policy says?
No definitive policy on medication issues in school.
Lessons for other policies:Only non-injectable medications are allowed outside standard clinic and hospital settings
It is recommended that with the exception of an emergency situation, a licensed professional nurse administer injectable medication.
What does National Drug Policy says?
Only trained staff can administer medication
Designated school personnel are REQUIRED to receive appropriate training approved for the administration of prescription and non prescription medication.
Three Med Classifications
Non-prescription medication
Pupils/Student self-administered medications
Prescription medications
Non-prescription Medications
You must have Written Instructions from the pupil’s Parent/Guardian in order to give non-prescription medications
Non-prescription Medication
Must have a signed parent/guardian permission form which includes:
Pupil’s nameMedicationMedication dosage, frequency, and route
Must be in the ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Non-prescription Medications
May only be allowed if:The medication is necessary for the child to remain in school
Excludes:Dietary Supplements Food Supplements
Must be:Commercially prepared and non-alcohol
Pupil Self Administration
For now no policy and procedures that govern self administration of medications in school
In ORDER FOR A CHILD TO DO SO:Documented approvals are needed:
Parent/GuardianSchool AdministratorStudentDoctor (if prescription)
Self Administration
Requires no assistanceRequires no documentation that the medication was takenEach school develops own policy to address self medication
Prescription Medications
ONLY CERTAIN PEOPLE CAN WRITE a PRESCRIPTION:
Doctor of MedicineNurse PractitionerDentistOptometrist
Prescription Medications….
Must be prepared and labeled by a pharmacistOnly administer if required during school hoursMust have a signed permission and instruction from parentSeparate training is needed for any injectable medications
A Little More on Prescriptions
Written Instruction from a physician (prescription label will meet this requirement)Original Pharmacy containerVerbal doctors orders can only be taken by a licensed nurse
Giving Medications in school: the Five Rights
Right StudentRight MedicationRight DoseRight TimeRight Route
Handling Medications
Get water from a clean sourceAlways wash your hands!Avoid Touching the medicationsWear gloves if placing medication in the pupil’s mouth
Handling Medications
If tablets require cutting, it is good the parent needs to cut them at home prior to sending them to schoolCalibrated spoon/cup for liquid medications
Scheduling and timing of medications
Stress the importance of reading and following the label instructions.
Medication should be given within 30 minutes either side of the prescribed time.
Routes of Medications-Oral-
MouthTabletsCapsulesSyrups, elixirs and suspensions
Route of MedicationTopical
Topical (on the outside of the body)
SkinEyesEarsNose
Routes of MedicationInhaled
InhalationNoseMouth
Safe Storage and Handling
Store all medication in the original ContainerStore in a clean, locked cabinet
File CabinetLock boxSafe
Safe Handling……
Changes in medication instructions should always be made in writing from the parent/guardianDo not act on Verbal requestsRefrigeration may be needed for some medications
Disposing of Medications
Follow policy for disposal of unused or expired medications:
Use the sink or toiletRegulated waste
Pupil’s Medication Record
One sheet to sign in the supply and sign outOne sheet to show what was administered by whom and when
Confidentiality
Pupil’s medication files are confidential Only parent/guardian and authorized school staff should have accessParent/guardian authorization is required for release of information
Handling the Unexpected
Student does not come at scheduled Med Time
Send for themDocument on the medication recordNotify the parents via phone and in writing (forms are on the internet)
Pupil Refuses Medication
Encourage the child to take the medicationDocument on the medication recordNotify the parent/guardian in writing
Pupil Vomits or Spits Out Medication
DocumentNotifyCheck for symptoms of illness
Take temperature
Medication Errors
Report the medication error immediately
Parent/guardianPhysicianNurseBuilding administrator
What Are Medications Errors
Dose OmittedMedication given to wrong studentInaccurate dose or wrong medicationWrong timeIncorrect route
Side Effects
All medications have a potential for side effectsIf in doubt check medication fact sheets, call the pharmacy, or contact the school nurse
Antibiotics-may cause a rashAnalgesics-may cause an upset stomach
Side Effects
Report promptly any unusual
Symptoms Behaviors
To the school nurse and parent
Dealing with Concerned Parents
Validate parents concerns and emotions by listening and identifying a way to address their specific concern
Share written information
Include school nurse/administrator
Set boundaries and ensure your own safety
Cooperative School Environment
Success requires
TEAM EFFORT
Cooperative School Environment
Include the teacher in plans, send them a notice so that they are aware that medications are being administeredShare information on medication times at the staff meetingsTalk with school staff to help problem solve missed medication times
Thoughts
School staff are protected by law if careful observation of the regulations are observedAny Questions
Thank you