Final answer:
A correct MD medication order must include the client's full name, medication name, drug dose, route of administration, frequency, time/date, and MD signature. Nurses confirm these details along with the procedure name, instrument counts, specimen labeling, and equipment checks.
Step-by-step explanation:
A correct MD medication order is essential in healthcare settings to ensure patient safety and the effective administration of medications. The order must be thorough and include several critical components. A nurse typically reviews the medication order aloud with the healthcare team to confirm all elements are present and correct. These components include:
- Client's full name: To ensure the medication is administered to the correct individual.
- Medication name: Accurate identification of the prescribed drug.
- Drug dose: The exact amount of medication to be administered.
- Route of administration: How the medication is to be given (e.g., oral, intravenous).
- Frequency of administration: How often the medication is to be taken.
- Time/date of administration: When the medication is to be given.
- MD signature: The prescribing doctor's authorization.
Additionally, during a procedure, a nurse should confirm that the name of the procedure has been recorded correctly and that any instruments, sponges, and needle counts are complete or note if they are not applicable. It's also vital to ensure that any specimens are correctly labeled with the patient's name and that any equipment issues are addressed before proceeding.