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Please wait while the page loadsMedication Safety · Free Resource
The medication checks you need to know for OSCEs and placement, without making them sound harder than they are.
Why this matters
Medication errors are one of the most common causes of patient harm. Following the 9 Rights every single time creates a safety habit that protects your patients and your registration. In OSCEs, examiners specifically watch for these checks — say each one out loud as you do it.
Insulin
Check the insulin type, units, blood glucose, and whether food is available if needed.
Anticoagulants
Double-check the indication, dose timing, INR or anti-Xa plan where relevant, and bleeding risk.
Opioids
Check sedation, respiratory rate, pain score, and when the last dose was given.
IV potassium
Slow right down on concentration, dilution, and the route. Never improvise with this one.
Gentamicin and other aminoglycosides
Check weight, renal function, timing, and whether levels are due.
Chemotherapy and specialist infusions
These need the right area, right checks, and senior support, not guesswork.
Keep the meds pages straight
This page is for the safety-check side of medication rounds. Use Drug Calculations Cheat Sheet for formulas and IV rates, and Medication Abbreviations Guide for the shorthand you keep seeing on charts.
Confirm the patient's identity using at least two identifiers (e.g., name, date of birth, hospital number).
Tip
Always check the wristband and ask the patient to state their name and DOB.
Paediatric consideration
Always check the child's wristband yourself — even if a parent confirms. Ask the parent to state the child's full name AND date of birth. If no wristband, get one fitted before giving medications.
Verify the medication name matches the prescription exactly. Check for allergies and contraindications.
Tip
Read the label three times: when picking up, preparing, and administering.
Paediatric consideration
Always check the CONCENTRATION as well as the drug name with liquids. Paediatric formulations often have different strengths to adult versions.
Administer via the correct route as prescribed (oral, IV, IM, SC, topical, etc.).
Tip
Some medications look similar but have different routes — always check the prescription.
Paediatric consideration
A toddler refusing oral liquid does not mean you can give a suppository instead. Different routes need a new prescription. Contact the prescriber.
Ensure the dose is correct for the patient. Double-check calculations, especially for paediatrics.
Tip
If in doubt, always get a second checker. Never guess doses.
Paediatric consideration
Paediatric doses are weight-based and easy to miscalculate. Always double-check calculations with another registered professional.
Give the medication at the correct time and frequency as prescribed.
Tip
Know the reason for timing (e.g., before food, at specific intervals).
Paediatric consideration
A baby needing 6-hourly antibiotics — skipping or changing intervals affects blood levels and can cause treatment failure or antibiotic resistance.
Document administration immediately after giving. Never pre-sign.
Tip
If it's not documented, it didn't happen. Include time, dose, route, and your signature.
Paediatric consideration
Document IMMEDIATELY after giving each medication. If the child vomits within 30 minutes, document this too — they may need the dose repeated.
Understand why the patient is receiving this medication. Does it align with their condition?
Tip
If the prescription doesn't make sense for the patient's diagnosis, question it before administering.
Paediatric consideration
Evidence shows salbutamol doesn't help bronchiolitis in young children. Query the prescription — cite NICE guidelines when necessary.
Ensure the medication is in the correct form (tablet, liquid, injection, patch, etc.).
Tip
Some patients can't swallow tablets — check if an alternative form is needed.
Paediatric consideration
Request prednisolone soluble tablets which dissolve in water — designed for children. Never crush medications without checking it's safe to do so.
Monitor the patient for expected therapeutic effects and potential adverse reactions.
Tip
Know what to look for and when to escalate if the response isn't as expected.
Paediatric consideration
Signs of allergic reaction (itchy rash, lip swelling) within 30 minutes of first dose — STOP the antibiotic, call for help, monitor airway, breathing, circulation.
OSCE station tip
In medication administration OSCEs, verbalise every check: "I'm checking the patient's wristband — their name is..." Examiners can only mark what they see and hear. Talk through each right even if you're doing it mentally.
Never do this with medications