PRACTICES FOR PREPARING COMMONLY USED MEDICATIONS BY NURSING PROFESSIONALS IN INPATIENT UNITS
Keywords:
Medication preparation; nursing professionals; patient safety; intravenous administration; nursing practicesAbstract
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/gt.v9i18edespsep.0429
Abstract
Medication preparation is a fundamental activity in nursing practice due to its impact on patient safety and quality of care. The objective of this study was to understand the practices related to the preparation of commonly used medications by nursing professionals in inpatient units, based on their knowledge, experiences, and procedural expertise. A qualitative, exploratory study with a phenomenological design was conducted. Nursing professionals from the Intensive Care Unit, Neonatology, and Emergency Department participated, all with at least one year of experience in their respective care areas. Ten in-depth, semi-structured interviews—previously validated by experts—were conducted, and the information obtained was analyzed using thematic analysis. The results showed that medication preparation and administration practices are shaped by university education, self-directed training, and the exchange of information with colleagues. For dilution and reconstitution, the use of 0.9% saline solution and water for injection was particularly notable. Furthermore, these practices vary by department: in the Emergency Department, slow intravenous administration predominates; in the ICU, continuous infusions are used for complex and vasoactive drugs; and in Neonatology, precision in calculations and administration is paramount. It was concluded that it is necessary to strengthen the standardization of procedures, the documentation of practices, and the ongoing training of nursing staff, especially those who have recently joined the hospital units.
Keywords: Medication preparation; nursing professionals; patient safety; intravenous administration; nursing practices.
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