Final answer:
Nurses require knowledge of pharmacology, attention to detail, and effective communication skills to safely administer medications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The critical skills required for nurses to safely administer medications include:
- Knowledge of Pharmacology: Nurses must have a deep understanding of the medications they are administering, including their actions, side effects, interactions, and dosage calculations. This knowledge helps ensure safe and effective medication administration.
- Attention to Detail: Nurses need to be meticulous in their medication administration, paying close attention to the 'five rights' of medication administration: right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time. This helps prevent errors and ensures patient safety.
- Effective Communication: Nurses need strong communication skills to convey medication information to patients and their families, as well as collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Clear and accurate communication helps prevent medication errors and promotes patient education and understanding.
Learn more about Critical skills required for nurses to safely administer medications