Medication and Infection Safety

In Ontario, a registered nurse (RN) or registered practical nurse (RPN) may give a prescription medication only when a valid order exists, unless the RN holds independent prescribing authority. The CNO Medication Practice Standard requires the nurse to verify the order, the patient, the drug, the dose, the route, the time, and the documentation before administration【2】. When the medication is an IV antimicrobial, vasopressor, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), or blood product, the nurse must also confirm line patency, compatibility, and infusion parameters because these are designated high‑alert medications【2】.