Medication Administration

Hands On. Skills Up. Patient-Ready.

A nurse pushes IV promethazine through a peripheral line. Within hours, the tissue turns necrotic — the patient loses a finger. This is not a hypothetical. Promethazine tissue necrosis from improper IV administration is one of the most preventable injuries in emergency medicine. As pharmacists expand into direct patient care roles, knowing how to administer medications — not just what to administer — becomes the difference between competent practice and catastrophic harm.

Lead Faculty / CPE Administrator: Jimmy Pruitt, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP, BCEMP

In-Person Facilitators: Andrea Jaggernauth, RN • Jasmine Jones, RN • Jade Thompson, RN

All faculty, planners, and content reviewers involved in this CE activity have disclosed that they have no relevant financial relationships with any ineligible companies. This activity was planned and implemented in accordance with ACPE Standards for Integrity and Independence.

Prework Objectives (Knowledge-Based)

Upon completion of the prework, the pharmacist will be able to:

1. Describe the evidence supporting pharmacist medication administration and the evolving legal landscape
2. Describe vascular access types (peripheral IV, midline, PICC, central venous catheter, IO) and indications for each
3. Identify the steps for verifying IV line patency, flushing protocols (saline vs heparin lock), and signs of infiltration/extravasation
4. Explain proper technique for IV push administration including rate considerations, dilution requirements, and syringe selection for common emergency medications
5. List the preparation steps for IV piggyback (IVPB) medications including reconstitution, dilution volume, compatible diluents, and beyond-use dating
6. Describe the procedures for IM, SQ, and enteral medication administration including site selection, needle gauge/length, and volume limitations per site
7. Recognize the role of independent double-checks, barcode medication administration (BCMA), and time-out procedures in preventing administration errors

In-Person Objectives (Application-Based)

Upon completion of the in-person session, the pharmacist will be able to:

1. Demonstrate proper preparation and administration technique for IV push, IVPB, IM, and SQ medications using simulation equipment
2. Evaluate vascular access appropriateness for a given medication order (osmolarity, pH, vesicant status) and recommend the correct line
3. Perform an independent double-check for a high-alert medication using a standardized verification process
4. Troubleshoot common administration problems (infiltration, occlusion, incompatibility) and select the appropriate corrective action

Provider: Pharmacy Pearls LLC (#0683)

Prework UAN: 0683-9999-26-003-H05-P  |  1.5 contact hours  |  Knowledge-based

In-Person UAN: 0683-9999-26-002-L01-P  |  1.0 contact hours  |  Application-based

Total CE: 2.5 contact hours (0.25 CEU)

Target Audience: Pharmacists

Release Date: March 30, 2026  |  Expiration Date: March 30, 2029

Joint Providership: This activity is jointly provided by Pharmacy Pearls LLC and Society of Emergency Medicine Pharmacists (SEMP).

Pharmacy Pearls LLC is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is accredited for 2.5 contact hours (0.25 CEU) of continuing pharmacy education credit.

• Pre-Assessment: 15 questions, 75% passing score (11 of 15 correct) required to unlock the in-person session
• Retries: Unlimited — you can retake the pre-assessment as many times as needed
• Knowledge Checks: 6 formative quizzes (3 questions each) embedded throughout modules with immediate feedback
• Prework Lessons: All 9 lessons must be marked complete
• In-Person Attendance: Required on April 10, 2026 — 4 hands-on stations + capstone simulation
• CE Evaluation: Must complete the CE evaluation form to receive credit