🟦 Step 1: Recognize Cues (Assessment / Data Collection)
Gather all relevant baseline data (cues) to support safe and effective medication use.
- 🔹 Medication Info: indications, safe dosage ranges, adverse effects, nursing implications
- 🔹 Client Info: age, weight, body surface area (BSA), labs/diagnostic results, vital signs
🟩 Step 2: Analyze Cues & Prioritize Hypotheses (Diagnosis)
Interpret cues to identify actual or potential health problems and set priorities.
- 🔹 Determine if the medication is indicated for the client
- 🔹 Identify risks, contraindications, or potential complications
🟨 Step 3: Generate Solutions (Planning)
Plan interventions, set priorities, and establish success criteria.
- 💉 Dosage & route (oral, IV, IM, subcut, etc.)
- 🕒 Timing (with meals, before sleep, PRN, scheduled)
- 🧰 Supplies (syringe, IV tubing, alcohol swabs, oral liquids)
🟥 Step 4: Take Actions (Implementation)
Safely administer the medication following the 10 Rights and proper calculation methods.
- ⚖️ Convert pounds → kilograms (1 kg = 2.2 lb)
- 🧮 Perform dosage calculations; verify with another nurse
- 💊 Administer medication using correct route and procedure
- Educating the patient.
🟪 Step 5: Evaluate Outcomes (Evaluation)
Assess effectiveness and safety after administration.
- ✅ Therapeutic response achieved
- 🚫 Adverse reactions/interactions absent
- 📋 Client adheres to prescription and regimen
✨ Quick Nursing Math Reminder:
- Always double-check high-alert medications (insulin, anticoagulants, opioids).
- Round carefully (mL to nearest tenth, tablets to nearest half if scored).