Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:31 PM AWST

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Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy

Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTENN007
State Code
AWA10
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
08/12/2015
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
22/06/2016
Field of Education
060301 - General Nursing
Original Release Date
22/06/2016
Nominal Hours
250
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to administer and monitor medications and intravenous (IV) therapy including calculating dosage requirements, interpreting written instructions from an authorised prescriber, assessing the person for medication effectiveness and side effects, and responding to an allergic pharmacological reaction.This unit applies to enrolled nursing work carried out in consultation and collaboration with registered nurses and under supervisory arrangements aligned to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia regulatory authority legislative requirements. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Minimise potential risk to ensure safe administration of medications.
  • 1.1 Refer to drugs and poisons schedules and classifications as determined by law.
  • 1.2 Identify the purpose and function of prescribed medicine and intravenous (IV) therapy.
  • 1.3 Identify pharmacology and substance incompatibilities in relation to specific situations involving medication administration, blood and blood products.
2. Prepare for medication administration and infusion of IV fluids.
  • 2.1 Explain the process of medication administration or IV fluid infusion to the person, and ensure their readiness and understanding.
  • 2.2 Identify correct administration route or site for each medication or IV fluid to be administered, and position the person appropriately.
  • 2.3 Consider the effect of commonly used medications and IV fluids on the body before medication administration and IV infusion.
  • 2.4 Calculate accurate dosages and IV infusion rates for administration of drugs.
  • 2.5 Prepare medications in accordance with legislative and jurisdictional requirements and organisation policy and procedures.
  • 2.6 Identify medication administration techniques and precautions specific to the person’s situation and as per medication orders.
  • 2.7 Prepare blood and blood products for blood transfusions according to organisation policy and procedures.
3. Administer and store medication.
  • 3.1 Administer medication or IV fluid to the person applying the ‘Rights of Medication’ concept and in accordance with the jurisdictional and legislative requirements and organisation policy and procedures.
  • 3.2 Secure medications in a safe manner during medication administration.
  • 3.3 Apply quality practices in management and use of medications, and undertake risk assessment practices that relate to medication administration.
  • 3.4 Report to the registered nurse a person’s refusal of medication or IV therapy or suspected incomplete medication ingestion.
  • 3.5 Ensure medication and blood and blood products are stored, handled and disposed of according to organisation policy and procedures and manufacturers’ instructions.
4. Monitor and evaluate a person’s response to administered medication, IV fluids and blood and blood products.
  • 4.1 Document and monitor observations of the person’s response and whether intended outcome of administered medications, IV fluids and blood and blood products is achieved.
  • 4.2 Recognise, record and report acute and delayed adverse reactions of the person to medications, and implement emergency actions within own role responsibility.
  • 4.3 Record, report and evaluate fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and monitor the effect on the person of medicines commonly administered with IV fluids.
  • 4.4 Remove IV cannula according to organisation policy and procedures
  • 4.5 Provide educative information to the person, their family or carer concerning the administration of medicines including possible side effects.
5. Assess effectiveness of pain-relieving therapy.
  • 5.1 Observe and question the person to identify signs of pain or discomfort.
  • 5.2 Clarify the location and nature of pain or discomfort, taking into account factors that may influence the person’s perception of pain.
  • 5.3 Ensure consistency in interpreting observations and evaluating the person’s pain using the pain assessment scale.
  • 5.4 Identify a range of prescribed medications and complementary strategies that may assist in alleviating pain and discomfort.
  • 5.5 Assess and manage effectiveness of pain-relieving medication and non-medication therapies for the person experiencing pain.
  • 5.6 Record observations of the person and own evaluation the effectiveness of pain management strategies.
No information
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Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WD140 HLTEN519C Administer and monitor intravenous medication in the nursing environment Unit of competency
WD139 HLTEN507C Administer and monitor medications in the work environment Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
ODI95 HLTENN040 Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy Unit of competency