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12.12.3: Procedure- Checking the Right Medication
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Wash your hands.
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Read the container label on the medication bottle.
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Check the expiration date on the medication bottle.
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Check the name of the medication on the label to make sure it is the same as the medication listed on the Care Plan.
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If they are the same proceed to hand the bottle to the patient and/or assist with administration as trained and ordered on the Care Plan.
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If they are not the same, or if the medication has expired, STOP! Do not proceed further.
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Contact a supervisor for further instructions.
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Explain the reason for this to the patient. Patient safety is the number one priority. If the medication bottle does not have the patient’s correct name of the medication, this puts the patient in danger of taking someone else’s medication.
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Record and report any problem about the medication in question to a supervisor.