Administer medication to veterinary patients

This standard covers the administration of medication to veterinary patients using a number of methods including oral, topical, subcutaneous, intravenous and intramuscular and monitoring the outcome of the medication.

This standard is suitable for registered veterinary nurses.

1. assess the potential risks to the health and safety of yourself and colleagues when administering medication to veterinary patients
2. confirm the treatment required for the veterinary patient with the veterinary surgeon
3. select and implement the required veterinary practice infection control procedures for the area of the veterinary practice you are working in
4. obtain the prepared veterinary medication required by the veterinary patient
5. calculate the dosage and amount of veterinary medication required for the veterinary patient
6. prepare and handle the veterinary medication for administration using the relevant equipment
7. assess the veterinary patient's condition prior to administration of the medication
8. handle and restrain the veterinary patient, seeking assistance if required
9. administer the veterinary medication via the required route using aseptic  techniques
10. assess and monitor the veterinary patient after administration of veterinary medication
11. dispose of waste materials safely and correctly in accordance with relevant legislation and veterinary practice procedures
12. record the treatment administered according to veterinary practice procedure
13. comply with relevant animal health and welfare legislation and codes of practice
14. carry out your work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislations, safe use of medicines regulations, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and business policies

1. how to assess the risks to the health and safety of yourself and colleagues when administering veterinary medication to animals
2. why it is important that veterinary surgeons confirm the medication required prior to administration
3. the required veterinary practice infection control procedures for the area of the veterinary practice you are working in
4. how to calculate the required veterinary medication dosages, including conversion of units to volume
5. the reasons for the use and mode of action for veterinary medication
6. the units of concentration required when preparing medication for veterinary patients
7. the importance of frequency and rate of administration
8. the monitoring methods and observations to be used prior to, during and after the administration of medication
9. the following terms in relation to pharmacology; therapeutic effect, absorption, half-life, side effect, reaction, interaction and therapeutic index
10. how to prepare and handle medication and equipment for administration including sterile preparation and administration
11. how to identify contraindications, reactions to medication and, over dosage and the required course of action to take in these circumstances
12. how to dispose of veterinary medication, equipment and out of date or contaminated medication
13. how to administer a variety of veterinary medication via required routes and understand the reasons for the choices made
14. how to prepare and maintain veterinary medication administration charts according to veterinary practice procedures
15. the use of the cascade system
16. the professional roles and responsibilities of the various veterinary team members
17. your responsibilities for the health and welfare of animals under the relevant legislation and codes of practice
18. your responsibility under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislations, codes of practice and business policies