Signs of deterioration

Signs of deterioration include anything that might tell you the client or resident is getting worse, e.g. drowsiness, confusion or an unusual lump.

Medication order

A medication order is a legal document (signed by a doctor) that specifies the medication, dose and route required for a resident or client.

Hand hygiene

Clean your hands by rubbing them with an alcohol-based formulation or washing them with soap and water.

Transdermal medication

Medication that is applied directly to the skin. Often referred to as a topical medication.

Generic name

A chemical name for the medication (e.g. Paracetamol). There is only ever one generic name.

Brand name

A name given to the medication by the company that has manufactured it. There can be more than one brand name for the same medication (e.g. Panadol or Panamax).

Ron's response

Ron replies: "I can't sleep, Jamie. My back hurts so much. Could you give me some painkillers?"

Jamie answers: "Sorry to hear that Ron. Let me see what I can get for you."

Ron's care plan folder

• Identity form
• Medication order
• Resident admission assessment
• Resident care plan
• Pain assessement
• Pain intervention and evaluation record

Check the pain assessment form

This is a pain assessment form. The specific document you will use will depend on where you are working.

Check the pain intervention record

This is a pain intervention record. The specific document you will use will depend on where you are working.

Take care when using heat packs

• Hot packs can easily overheat and cause fires.
• Never heat them in the microwave.
• Check the instructions for heating hot packs at your local site.

Read Jamie's tips on how to use hot and cold packs properly.

Checking the site

Check the site where the hot pack is applied 3-5 minutes after initial application and continue regular checks thereafter.

Therapy is generally recommended for a period of 20 minutes per treatment.

Read Jamie's tips on how to use hot and cold packs properly.

Check the medication order

Ron's response

Ron Johnson. 9th of January 44.

Jamie, I really hate the taste of those tablets. Could you dissolve them in some water for me?

Pain intervention record

Remember the document you use in your organisation might look different to this one.

The 5 moments of hand hygiene

Six rights of medication administration

Ron's record

Note that this documentation could look different in your organisation or be in an electronic format.

Jamie has made sure all the 6 Rights of Medication Administration have been checked.

Saved notes

Resources and further reading

Medication Handbook for Unregulated Health Care Workers

Tip sheets:

• Recognise signs of deterioration
• Naming of medications
• How to use hot and cold packs correctly
• Spacer use and care
• Hand hygiene
• 6 Rights of Medication Administration

Steps for assisting with:

• Oral medication
• Inhalation medication
• Ear medication
• Eye medication
• Creams and ointments

Medication Assistance (For the Unregulated Health Care Worker) - PRN Pain medication

LMS Code: MAURg EL2
Published: September 2018
Last Rev: Oct 2022

Welcome to the WA Country Health Service online Medication Competency Assessment Module.

This module is supported by funding from WA Primary Health Alliance through the Australian Government's PHN Program. This learning resource has been produced to facilitate the professional development of WACHS and non-government Unregulated Health Care Workers in the provision of the skills and knowledge associated with the supervision and assistance with medication administration.

Feedback can be provided via the Evaluation link at the end of this product.

Information contained within this product is in accordance with the current acceptable National Quality and Health Service Standards and the Aged Care Accreditation Standards

Important Disclaimer: All information and content in this Material is provided in good faith by the WA Country Health Service, and is based on sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of development. The State of Western Australia, WA Country Health Service and their respective officers, employees and agents, do not accept legal liability or responsibility for the Material, or any consequences arising from its use.

© WA Country Health Service, State of Western Australia (2022). Copyright to this material produced by the WA Country Health Service belongs to WA Country Health Service, under the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968 (C'wth Australia). Apart from any fair dealing for personal, academic, research or non-commercial use, no part may be reproduced without written permission of the Aged Care Directorate, Western Australian Country Health Service. WA Country Health Service is under no obligation to grant this permission. Please acknowledge the WA Country Health Service when reproducing or quoting material from this source.

Questions about this resource can be directed to the WACHS learning and Development team by email to WACHStraining@health.wa.gov.au. Feedback can be provided via the evaluation link at the end of this product.

Accessibility

Keyboard instructions for drag and drop activities

• Use the tab key to select the item you want to drag.
• Use the space bar to activate the group of target items.
• Use the up and down arrow keys to select the target item you want to drop into.
• Press the enter key to move the drag item into the target item.