Titration of Continuous Infusion Medications in Critical Care Areas

Caring for critically ill patients often requires nurses to use one or more titrated medications, but understanding and implementing current order requirements can create confusion for the clinician and risk for the patient. The Joint Commission recently clarified its medication management standards including administration and documentation of titrated medications, along with minimum elements of complete medication orders. This document, shared with permission by Temple University Hospital, is an example of a policy and procedure implementing the Joint Commission revised requirements including block charting. The policy and procedure defines the actions and workflows required to minimize the error or patient injury and optimize patient care during the administration of titratable medications in accordance with regulatory guidelines.