Activity Lesson Plan for Proper Storage, Labeling, and Accounting for Medications
ID
APSC-99P (APSC-176P)
Purpose: To teach youth how to read a medication label so they are better able to understand how to store and administer medications for different livestock species.*
Materials Needed
- 10 tables (1 for each station)
- 10 different medication boxes (could include dewormers, vaccines, or antibiotics; medication labels printed from the Internet can be used if actual product boxes are not available)
- Stopwatch
- 1 copy of the Station Questions page per person
* Questions 7-8 need to have Medication box or container for proper answering
Steps
- Put one medication box or label on each table (station).
- Split youth into 10 groups of equal size and have each group go to a station. There should be only one group at each station. The station each group starts at is station 1 for that group.
- Have the children work in groups to identify the correct answer to the first (station 1) question.
- Allow 30-45 seconds per station and then ask them to rotate to the next station, where they will answer the question for station 2.
Remembering What Is Important
Labels on medications are crucial in order to ensure that the medication is properly stored and dispensed to guar- antee maximum effectiveness. Labels also tell producers the proper location for storage and the amount of the medication to administer so they will effectively help the animal. In addition, labels help ensure that medications are not given to a species they are not approved for.
Walk through some of the stations with the children, asking thought-provoking questions so they understand why it is so important to read and follow the instructions on the label. Questions might include the following:
What might happen if you give your animal too much medication? Not enough?
What could happen if the medication is stored at a temperature that is too high?
What could occur if the withdrawal time listed on the label is not followed?
What might happen if you administer the medication to a species it is not approved for?
What if you administer the medication in a location on the animal that is not listed on the label?
*This activity has been developed to supplement the information that can be found in the National Pork Board Good Production Practice No. 6: Properly store, label, and account for all drugs and medicated feeds.
Station Questions
Station 1. What is the trade name of the drug?
Station 2. What is (are) the active ingredient(s)?
Station 3. How is the drug to be administered?
Station 4. What are the indications for this drug?
Station 5. What is the recommended dosage?
Station 6. What are the proper storage requirements?
Station 7. When does the drug expire?
Station 8. What are the lot number and serial number of the drug?
Station 9. Who is the manufacturer of the drug?
Station 10. Are there any special warnings or precautions for this drug?
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Publication Date
June 23, 2021
