Main points
- Use block capitals and avoid abbreviations.
- Use generic drug names where possible.
- In the case of compound preparations, prescribe each component individually.
- Review each kardex daily with team if possible.
- Re-write kardex when approaching 2 weeks.
- DO NOT leave to Intern on-call
- Always chart a stop date, especially for antibiotics and electrolytes.
- Always fill in the “Allergies” section on the front of the kardex.
- ALWAYS check allergy status BEFORE prescribing a medication
- Always record weight on kardex for accurate weight based dose calculations.
- INVEST IN AN APP: Such as BNF
- Timing is very important for some drugs e.g. Stalevo/Sinemet, Please circle on Kardex.
- If a drug is on hold, write ‘hold’ in Kardex. If the kardex is being rewritten, put in the date the drug was started and not the date you re-wrote the Kardex
PO medications
- Chart regular medications and liaise with pharmacy when in doubt with regard to dosages etc.
- Regularly review analgesia.
- Regularly review supplementation with electrolytes and correlate with latest laboratory results.
IV mediations
- Regularly review IV meds and consider switch to PO when possible.