How should medicines be stored safely?
• They should remain in their original packaging and stored in locked cupboards.
• This area should not be accessible to the public.
• Separate sections within the cupboards to separate different categories of drugs.
• Protected from damage from exposure to sunlight, moisture and adverse temperatures.
• Stocks should be checked regularly to ensure they are within the expiry date and undamaged.
How should emergency drugs be stored?
• Marked clearly ‘for emergency use’ and easily accessible.
• Must remain sealed so they have clearly not been tampered with and replaced once seals are broken.
How should controlled drugs be stored safely?
• Stored in accordance with the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1973.
• Stored in a locked cabinet in a lockable room not accessible to patients.
• The keys are the responsibility of the registered NIC.
• The CD record book should be kept in an appropriate location outside the cabinet.
What safety measures are in place for controlled drugs?
Two person verification check for daily stock checks and signing CDs in and out.
What are the 5 rights of medicine administration?
• Right patient
• Right medicine
• Right dose
• Right route
• Right time
What is the role of the children’s nurse in medicines management?
• Taking a holistic approach
• Involving the child and family
• Following employer’s policies, legislation and NMC Code
• Knowledge of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
• Being aware of side effects and ADRs and how to manage these
