Medication Administration in Veterinary Nursing

Diagnosis

Identification of a disease based on symptoms.

Symptomatic Treatment

Treating based on observed signs, not diagnosis.

Veterinarian's Experience

Knowledge used to determine appropriate medications.

Prescription Verification

Confirming clarity of medication orders from veterinarians.

Filling Prescriptions

Counting and labeling medications for administration.

Pharmacology Requirements

Standards for labeling and dispensing medications.

Medical Record Documentation

Recording administered medications and verification.

Owner Education

Instructing pet owners on medication administration.

6 Rights of Medication

Criteria to ensure safe drug administration.

Right Patient

Confirming medication is for the correct animal.

Right Drug

Ensuring the correct medication is selected.

Right Dose

Total amount of medication for the patient.

Dosage

Amount of drug per unit body weight.

Right Route

Correct method of drug administration (e.g., IV).

Right Schedule

Correct timing for medication administration.

Enteral Administration

Medication given through the gastrointestinal tract.

Inhalation Administration

Breathing in medication in vaporized form.

Topical Administration

Applying medication to skin or mucous membranes.

Transdermal Administration

Medication absorbed through the skin.

Parenteral Administration

Injecting medication bypassing the GI tract.

Intravenous Injection

Medication injected directly into a vein.

Intramuscular Injection

Medication injected into muscle tissue.

Intraperitoneal Injection

Medication injected into the peritoneal cavity.

Intracardiac Injection

Direct injection into the heart.

Intra-articular Injection

Injection into a joint space.

Epidural Injection

Injection into the epidural space of the spine.

Tablets

Solid medications that can be scored for division.

Capsules

Gelatin containers for powdered or liquid medication.

Solutions

Liquid medications that are water or alcohol-based.

Suspensions

Liquid medications with undissolved particles.

Solution

Aqueous or alcohol-based, water-soluble drug form.

Suspension

Drug suspended in liquid; requires shaking to mix.

Syrup

Sugar-based liquid; may contain artificial sweeteners.

Xylitol

Toxic artificial sweetener for dogs; avoid use.

Paste

Thick drug form for animals that can't swallow liquids.

Inhalants

Drugs delivered as gas; requires inhalation method.

Nebulized

Creates small droplets for inhalation; deeper delivery.

Mist

Less effective than nebulized; larger droplets.

Topical medications

Applied to skin; includes emulsions, ointments, creams.

Emulsion

Mixture of two liquids; requires shaking to mix.

Ointment

Oil-based topical medication for skin application.

Cream

Water-based topical medication for skin application.

Parenteral drugs

Administered via injection; includes solutions and suspensions.

Intravenous (IV)

Directly into bloodstream; rapid effect.

Intramuscular (IM)

Injected into muscle; slower absorption.

Subcutaneous (SC)

Injected under the skin; slower absorption.

Implants

Slow-release drug forms placed under the skin.

Interval administration

Drug absorbed through gastrointestinal tract.

Portal circulation

Blood flow from intestines to liver.

Systemic circulation

Blood circulation throughout the body.

Absorption

Process of drug entering bloodstream from GI tract.

Contraindications

Conditions that prevent safe drug administration.

Emesis

Vomiting; can hinder oral medication administration.

Scored tablets

Tablets that can be divided for dosage adjustment.

Liquid medications

Flavored liquids enhance palatability for pets.

Gastric acids

Can destroy certain drugs; affects oral absorption.

Rapid metabolism

Quick breakdown of drugs before effectiveness.

Scored Tablets

Tablets that can be divided along scored lines.

Coated Tablets

Tablets that are coated but not scored.

Pilling Device

Tool to help administer pills to pets.

Pharyngeal Reflex

Reflex triggered by placing pill at tongue base.

Sticky Pill

Pill adhered to finger using butter or water.

Buckle Area

Space between teeth for liquid administration.

Orogastric Tube

Tube for delivering substances directly to stomach.

Gastric Lavage

Washing out the stomach to remove toxins.

Decompression

Removing gas or fluid from the stomach.

Speculum

Device to prevent biting during tube insertion.

Water-Soluble Lubricant

Lubricant used for orogastric tube insertion.

Syringe

Tool for injecting liquids into the pet's mouth.

Christmas Tree Adapter

Adapter for connecting syringe to orogastric tube.

Pilling Technique

Method of administering pills manually to pets.

Elevation Technique

Tilting head back to aid pill swallowing.

Licking Reflex

Response triggered by touching dog's nose.

Mandible Control

Pulling down lower jaw for pill administration.

Aspiration Risk

Danger of liquid entering lungs during administration.

Complications of Orogastric Tube

Risks include misplacement and aspiration.

Activated Charcoal

Substance used for treating toxic exposure.

Restraint

Necessary to safely administer orogastric tubes.

Oral Medication Tips

Strategies for effectively giving pills to pets.

Dog Pilling Method

Technique involving head tilt and tongue placement.

Cat Pilling Method

Technique requiring head control and careful placement.

Swallow Induction

Methods to encourage pets to swallow pills.