AdministeringMedications

inSoutheastern California Conference

Schools

Common conditions in schools

Students may need in-school medications for acute or chronic illnesses:– Infections– Allergies– Asthma– Diabetes– Epilepsy– ADHD– Depression– Anxiety disorders– Bipolar disorder

Common medications administered

Stimulants Depressants Anticonvulsants Cough medications Prescribed topical

medications Antibiotics

To Whom Can Medicationbe Given?

Only students with proper paperwork and documentation for any medication, whether prescribed or over-the-counter (OTC) Only students with an authorization form signed by both doctor and parent or guardian which is kept on file at school Form includes:

•Name of medication•Dosage—amount and time to be given•Route administered•Any possible side effects•Doctor’s phone number

Always remember:

• Any changes in type or dosage must have new authorization and newly labeled container

• Medications must be brought to school by parent or guardian—not student

• Must be in original containers with correct labels and student’s name

• Medication must be prescribed by individual licensed by the State of California to prescribe medication

• All medications should be stored safely and securely—preferably locked

Who’s Allowed to Administer Medications?

• “School nurse or designated school employees”– Most often the teacher– Never another student

Training should include: Method of administration Contraindications of medications frequently ordered and any

special drugs ordered Possible signs and symptoms of adverse side effects,

omission, or overdose Proper handling and storage Record keeping Emergency procedures

Administering Medications: the details

• Maintain a strict system of logging administered medications.

• Keep a separate log sheet for each student on

medication that includes:– Student’s name– Name of medication– Date and time medication is administered– Dosage given– Signature of person administering medication– Physician’s name and phone number– Explanation if medicine not given

Medication logs

• Make sure to enter all details in student’s log sheet at time medication is given.

• Logging sheets may be kept at place of medication administration with a notice of “Additional Information is kept . . .” placed in health folder identifying the information and where it is kept.

• Upon completion of the logging sheet and/or at the end of the school year, the medication log and authorization forms should be placed in the student’s red health folder.

How to Administer Medication• Wash hands.• Check Medication Log form for child’s name, medication

name, amount to give and time to give.• Check the label on the medication bottle for all the information

listed. Everything should match. • Place the required number of tablets or capsules in the top of

the lid of the prescription bottle or drop it in a paper cup. Do not touch the medication in any way with your hands.

• Give the student the medication, offer water, and watch to see that he/she swallows the medication without any problems.

• Replace the lid on the medication bottle and place it in its designated place away from the reach of the students.

• Record the medication given in the appropriate space on the Medication Log form and initial the entry.

• If the medication dosage is not given, is discontinued, or changed in any way, record that on the Medication Log form and initial the entry.

The 5 “Rights” of Medication Administration

• Is this the RIGHT student?• Is this the RIGHT medication?• Is this the RIGHT dosage of medication?• Is this the RIGHT time to administer this medication?• Is this the RIGHT route?—Is this for the eyes, ears,

nose or mouth?

Remember!

• Student’s medical privacy must be appropriately maintained

• Don’t substitute one child’s medication for another child

• Plan for medication administration on field trips

If something goes wrong

If student is given the wrong medication:– Keep student with staff person– Notify principal– Call student’s parent or guardian– Call student’s doctor if possible, or other medical

professional

If student’s Rx runs out, contact parent or guardian personally.

If dose is missed, check Rx—some can be given late, others should be skipped until next dose.

Disposing of Unused Medications

• If Rx changes during school year, remaining med should be returned to parent when new med is delivered

• At end of school year, parent should take any remaining medication home

SELF-MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION CONSENT FORM

• Instructions: This form must be filled out and signed annually by the student’s parent or guardian before the student will be allowed to carry and administer medication.

• Student’s Full Name ____________________________________________________________________ • Date of Birth ________________________ • School ____________________________________ Grade _____ Teacher _______________________ • Parent’s Work Telephone _____________________ Parent’s Home Telephone _____________________

• MEDICATION(S) – 1. ____________________________________ – 2. ____________________________________

– I understand and agree to the following: • 1. I agree to assume responsibility for sending my child’s medication in its original prescription container. • 2. I agree to make certain that my child takes responsibility for taking the medication as prescribed. • 3. I also agree that the Southeastern California Conference, the school and all its employees shall not be liable for any loss, damage,

injury, or liability of any kind to any person caused or arising from acts, omissions or negligence of the school or its employees relating to the self-administered medication by my child.

• I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THIS FORM AND CONSENT TO THE ABOVE PROVISIONS. • __________________________________________________ ____________________________ • Signature of Parent or Guardian Date • I agree and feel competent to take my own medication as prescribed. I will not at any time share my medication

with another student and I will keep it secure from other students. • ________________________________________________ ____________________________ • Signature of Student Date • Name of Physician __________________________________________________________________ • This student is under my care and needs to carry this medication with him/her while at school. I have given the

student instructions for administration of this medication and give authorization for the self-administration of this medication.

• _________________________________________________ _____________________________ • Signature of Physician Date

Emergency medications that may be carried if authorized

• Asthma inhalers• Insulin• Severe allergic

reaction kits• Anticonvulsants

Self-administration of Medication

• Appropriate record must be kept of students who are allowed to carry and self-administer medication

– Consent form should be on file in individual red health folder

– School office should maintain a list of all students on medication