Assess for allergies and other considerations such as vomiting, NPO status, current vitals and labs.

Wash your hands.

You should know: why the client is receiving the medication; the drug's classification...

...usual range of dose; contraindications; side effects; and other nursing considerations for the meds you will be giving...

...such as lab values and vital signs.

Check the med administration record for the drug's name, dose, frequency, route, expiration of the order and of the medication.

Place the packaged unit dose directly into the medicine cups.

Do not removed the medication from the package until you are at the bedside.

Use a separate cup for narcotics and medications that require a specific assessment such as vital signs.

This will remind you to complete the assessment before determining whether or not to give those meds.

Create privacy.

Once again, confirm client ID.

Provide information on the medications you will be giving: the name; possible side effects; and contraindications.

Assess patient's knowledge of medication and perform other assessments indicated by that specific med.

If swallowing is difficult, crush the medication into a fine powder with a pill crusher.

Then, mix the powder with a small amount of food such as applesauce.

Some meds, such as time release or enteric coated tablets, should not be crushed.

Observe your client swallowing the medication and document, including patient tolerance.