Jul 10, 2025  
Course/Program Inventory 
    
Course/Program Inventory

MOA 3020 - Administration of Medication



Clock Hours: 60

Delivery Mode
on-ground

Prerequisites: MOA -2040

Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student with the knowledge of pharmacokinetics and skills relative to the safe administration of medications as well as the basic scientific principles underlying these skills. The student will be familiarized with different routes of administration, including the purposes of drug therapy and its importance in maintaining and restoring health. A review of basic mathematics will be included followed by mathematics of drugs and solutions. Emphasis will be placed upon the legal and ethical responsibilities in the administration of medications.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Course Competencies:

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of math skills:
    1. Demonstrate how basic mathematics is important to the safe preparation and administration of medications

b.   Define the principle used to round-off numbers in the decimal system

  1. Compute dosages relating to the calculations of drugs and solutions and recognize the computation of fractional doses must be confirmed.
    1. Define the metric, apothecary and household systems of measurement, and identify the fundamental units of each
    2. Discuss the rationale for placing a 0 (zero) before a decimal point
    3. Identify the most commonly used equivalents in the medical field and their abbreviations
    4. Utilize methods used in conversion from one system or unit to another i.e. ratio/proportion
    5. Utilize ratio-proportion and formula methods to compute medication dosage:
      1. Dose desired divided by available dosage multiplied by quantity equals amount to give
      2. Solve for x using various formulas
      3. Dimensional Analysis
  2. Utilize selected scientific principles relative to the administration of medications.
    1. Define pharmacology
    2. Discuss the responsibilities for administration of drug therapy
    3. Identify the laws and ethical considerations that relate to medical practice and drug therapy
    4. Discuss factors affecting therapeutic and non-therapeutic drug actions
    5. Define abbreviations commonly used in administration of medications
    6. Identify sources of drugs; i.e., animals, plants, etc.
    7. Distinguish between generic and trade names of drugs
    8. Identify forms of medications; i.e., tablets, elixirs, solutions, etc.
    9. Define classifications of medications; i.e., analgesics, antimicrobials, cardiotonics, etc.
    10. Identify information sources (references) for drugs
  3. Identify and demonstrate the principles related to the administration of medications.
    1. Discuss the importance of a client assessment prior to administration of medications
    2. List requirements of a complete drug order or prescription
    3. Identify parts of the drug label
    4. Discuss forms of drug packaging: vial, ampule, unit dose, etc.     
    5. Discuss the “Rights” of proper drug administration
    6. Discuss knowledge and skills needed to implement the “rights” of drug administration
    7. Identify, describe, and demonstrate the routes/sites/methods for administrating medications; i.e., enteral, topical, parenteral (including heparin and insulins) etc.
    8. Identify special considerations to be observed when administering medications
    9. Define and discuss medication errors and contributing factors
    10. Identify elements in documentation for safe administration of medications
    11. Discuss principles of proper and safe storage of medications
    12. List the parts of the syringe and their functions
    13. List equipment required for oral and parenteral drug administration
    14. Differentiate drug dosage forms for various routes and purposes of administration
    15. Discuss principles for selection of syringe/needle size used in intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous (SQ), and intradermal (ID) routes of administration in adult and pediatric clients
    16. Demonstrate principles for preparing medications from powder, vial, ampule, topicals, and liquids
    17. Discuss advantages and disadvantages of oral, parenteral, and topical routes of drug administration
    18. Discuss guidelines for rational choices of drugs, dosages, routes, and times of administration
    19. Discuss safety precautions in administration of medications including needlestick safety
  4. Discuss the administration of medications to the geriatric client.
    1. Describe how pharmacokinetic change during aging and why medications may affect the elderly differently
    2. Identify factors increasing the risk of medication-related problems
    3. Discuss how responses to medications are less predictable in an older person
    4. Identify common drugs used in geriatrics and their common side effects

Clinical/Lab/Simulation Competencies:

Upon completion of this course, the student, under the supervision of the instructor, will be able to accomplish the following objectives as assigned by the instructor including, but not limited to the following skills lab competencies. All students must receive a satisfactory evaluation for course completion. An unsatisfactory evaluation will result in the student not being able to pass the course regardless of the academic average.

Competencies:

  1. Administer medications per the “Rights” of administration.
  2. Safely calculates and/or converts dosages according to prescribed standards.
  3. Document accurately the administration of medications given.
  4. Implements appropriate safety measures in relation to medication administration.
  5. Selects and demonstrates appropriate use of equipment/supplies necessary for administration of medications.
  6. Describe the proper way to draw up and administer insulin.
  7. Demonstrates the ability to interpret and transcribe medication orders accurately.
  8. Apply critical thinking to the principles of medication administration.
  9. Demonstrate effective use of the time management skills with administration of medications.
  10. Outline the actions to be taken if complications occur from medication administration.