|
|
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts. |
| |
Health professional includes: | Health professionals relevant to medication administration in specific area of work:Complementary medicine therapist (subject to government and organisation policies)DentistDietitianMedical practitioners (General Practitioners and medical specialists)Occupational therapistPharmacistPhysiotherapistPodiatristPsychiatristPsychologist Registered nurses |
| |
Commonwealth and State/ Territory legislation may include: | Aged Care legislationCommunity care legislation and policesDisability Services legislation (Commonwealth and State)Drugs and Poison's Act and Regulations and other relevant State/territory legislation, regulations and policies Legislation, regulations and policies relevant to each State or TerritoryNurses Registration legislation |
| |
Authority to proceed refers to: | Ensuring all organisation guidelines are followedEnsuring that all documentation in relation to a client's medication has been checkedEnsuring that the prescribing health professional has documented all medications and instructionsEnsuring the client has been assessed by a health professional for the level of assistance required and they or their decision-maker understands and can make the request for assistanceEnsuring the client has up to date / current documentation on the level of assistance and support required in relation to medication |
| |
Supervisor may include: | Health professionalSupervision may be provided on site or through an on call systemSupervisor or team leader with experience and appropriate qualification/s in administration of medication and/or assistance with self medication at a higher level than the worker |
| |
Required medications may include: | Medications prescribed for a client by a health professional and dispensed by a pharmacist in dose administration aids Medications purchased over the counter and identified in the client's health/care/support plan or drug/ treatment sheetPRN medications:as prescribed and instructed by the health professionalin response to staff observation of need as identified in drug sheet and/or health/care/support plan and according to relevant legislation, organisation guidelines and clear written instructions from a health professionalin response to specific information provided by client, where the medication is documented in the client's health/care/support plan |
| |
Industry standards include: | Aged Care Accreditation Standards and policiesDisability Service Standards and policiesHome and Community Care National Service Standards and policiesState or Territory government policies |
| |
Required equipment may include: | Administration aid / medication packApplicator for lotions / ointmentsApronsContainer for dirty spoons/dishesCotton wool / gauzeDrug/treatment sheet or case recordGlovesHealth/care/support planKey to medication storage/cupboard/areaMeasuring cupsMedicine dishes/cupsMortar and pestleNebuliser / spacerPaper towels and tissuesSpoonsTablet dividerTea towelTumblersWater jug and cup |
| |
Organisation guidelines for client identification may include: | Actions to be taken if a client who is self-administering fails to identify themselves correctlyConfirmation from nursing/care staff or client's family or friendsReferral to identification such as photographic identification of client in client cardsResponse by clientVisual recognition |
| |
Organisation policy for checking medications with clients who are self-medicating may include: | Confirming the following with the client:the amount of medication (e.g. number of tablets or amount of gel)the time for self-medication (e.g. once a day with food)the route of self-medication (e.g. by mouth)any alterations authorised by the pharmacist, registered nurse or health professional (e.g. crush tablets or mix with water or food)Checking the medication for expiry date and any obvious discrepancies such as colour changes, disintegration or deterioration |
| |
Dose administration aids may include: | Blister packs - single dose packs and multi-dose packsDosettesSachets |
| |
Organisation guidelines for checking medication may include: | Checking dose administration aids for evidence of tamperingChecking medication is free from contamination or deteriorationChecking that administration, instructions and the identity of the client correlate with documentationChecking that discrepancies in administration are documented appropriatelyChecking the procedure for infection control, storage and disposal |
| |
Prepare the client for assistance with administration of medication may include: | Discussing the procedure Encouraging client's participationAdjusting posture and position Seeking assistance from other staff if available and requiredProviding privacy Appropriate exposure of treatment area (in the case of lotion application) |
| |
Circumstances when appropriate action is to report observed client health status rather than proceeding to administer medication may include but are not limited to: | Changes in condition of the client that must be immediately reportedClient refusalClient unconscious |
| |
Current needs may include: | Assistance in securing client cooperationPosture or positioning of client including physically supporting the clientProvision of approved PRN order according to relevant legislation, organisation guidelines and doctors orders |
| |
Prepare medications may include: | Assistance provided in taking medication by grinding or dividing tablets where there are clearly written instructionsDissolving powder medication in waterMeasuring liquid medications into measuring cup / spoonPlacing medication in nebuliser / spacerPlacing tablets/capsules from dose administration aids into a medicine cup |
| |
Necessary checks include: | Checking client detailsChecking for authorisationChecking medication against the requirements Checking the chartChecking the client's health/care/support planChecking the treatment sheets |
| |
References may include: | Drugs hotline/Drug Information LineMIMS annual or drug reference guide |
| |
Forms of medication may include: | CapsulesEar-dropsEye-dropsInhalantsLiquidLotion and creamNose-dropsOintmentsPatchesPowderTabletsWafers |
| |
Possible changes in condition of the client that must be immediately reported to a supervisor or health professional may include, but are not limited to: | Anything that appears different from the client's usual stateBlurred visionChanges in behaviourChanges to airway (e.g. choking), changes to breathing (including slowed, fast or absent breathing), changes in person's colour (e.g. pale or flushed appearance or bluish tinge), or changes to circulation (including unexpected drowsiness, loss of consciousness, and absence of pulse)ConfusionFeelings of dizzinessHeadacheInflammation or rednessNausea and vomitingOthers as advised by health professionalRashSkin toneSlurring of speechSwelling |
| |
Incomplete ingestion includes: | Ejection of medicationInability or difficulties in swallowing tablets, capsules or liquidsRefusal to take medicationsVomiting |
| |
Document all inconsistencies may include: | Adverse drug incident reportsClient's record of medications according to organisation guidelinesIncident reportsMedical chartsProgress notes |
| |
Medication storage procedures include: | Acting in accordance with defined job roleLocking and storing drugs according to organisation policy and procedureReferring to instructions from health professional/ manufacturer |
| |
Industry guidelines may include: | Australian Pharmaceutical Advisory Council (APAC):Guidelines for medication management in residential aged care facilities and Guiding principles for medication management in the community 2006State and Territory legislation, policies and guidelinesOrganisation policies and proceduresWHS industry guides |
| |
Physical assistance provided to administer medication or support self medication may include: | Discussing the process and addressing any likely difficultiesConfirming the time and type of medicationEstablishing the type and level of support required by the client to take / receive the medicationAdjusting posture or positionOpening bottles or dose administration aidsRemoving tablets or capsules from dose administration aidsMeasuring the amount of liquid required into a medicine cup or a cream onto the affected areaCrushing or dividing tablets where indicated by pharmacist or health professionalPlacing medication into nebulisers or spacersDissolving medication in waterEnsuring that fluids are available to assist with swallowingProviding privacyNB Medication dose must be prepared by a pharmacist |