unit44 medication
Unit 44
Administer medication to individuals and monitor the effects
Learning outcome 1
Understand legislation, policy and procedures relevant to administration of medication
1.1. Identify current legislation, guidelines policies and protocols relevant to the administration of medication
There are many acts and regulation around the care and control of medication. The two most important and relevant ones are The Medicines Act 1968 and The Misuse of Drugs Act 1972. The Medicines Act outlines the general care and control of medication while The Misuse of Drugs Act outlines the care and control specifically to controlled drugs.
General guidelines in the topic that is relevant in adult social care has been published by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society under the name ‘The Handling of Medicines in Social Care’ and one published by NICE named ‘Managing Medicines in Care Homes’.
Naturally both acts leave some space of handling medication to the setting so most adult care settings have their own policies and procedures in place for handling and administering medication.
Learning outcome 2
Know about common types of medication and their use 2.1. Describe common types of medication including their effects and potential side-effects Types of medications are: antacids, analgesics, anticoagulants, antihistamines, antimicrobials, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, cytotoxic, diuretics, hormones, laxatives and psychotropics. These are used to different illnesses and diseases that can occur in an individual. Analgesics are commonly used to reduce the feel of pain and their side effects include diarrhoea, dizziness or vomiting. Anticoagulants are used to thin the blood. Antihistamines are used to reduce the symptoms of allergic reactions. Antimicrobials are used to treat infections. Laxatives are used to relieve constipation. Psychotropics are used to treat mental health disorders. Most medications can have similar side effects like vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation,
Administer medication to individuals and monitor the effects
Learning outcome 1
Understand legislation, policy and procedures relevant to administration of medication
1.1. Identify current legislation, guidelines policies and protocols relevant to the administration of medication
There are many acts and regulation around the care and control of medication. The two most important and relevant ones are The Medicines Act 1968 and The Misuse of Drugs Act 1972. The Medicines Act outlines the general care and control of medication while The Misuse of Drugs Act outlines the care and control specifically to controlled drugs.
General guidelines in the topic that is relevant in adult social care has been published by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society under the name ‘The Handling of Medicines in Social Care’ and one published by NICE named ‘Managing Medicines in Care Homes’.
Naturally both acts leave some space of handling medication to the setting so most adult care settings have their own policies and procedures in place for handling and administering medication.
Learning outcome 2
Know about common types of medication and their use 2.1. Describe common types of medication including their effects and potential side-effects Types of medications are: antacids, analgesics, anticoagulants, antihistamines, antimicrobials, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, cytotoxic, diuretics, hormones, laxatives and psychotropics. These are used to different illnesses and diseases that can occur in an individual. Analgesics are commonly used to reduce the feel of pain and their side effects include diarrhoea, dizziness or vomiting. Anticoagulants are used to thin the blood. Antihistamines are used to reduce the symptoms of allergic reactions. Antimicrobials are used to treat infections. Laxatives are used to relieve constipation. Psychotropics are used to treat mental health disorders. Most medications can have similar side effects like vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation,