Medication Administration: Routes, Devices, and Techniques

Vocabulary flashcards covering common routes, dosage forms, devices, and procedures related to medication administration based on the lecture notes.

Ointment

A semi-solid topical preparation applied to the skin or mucous membranes for local effect.

Transdermal patch

A medicated adhesive patch that delivers drug through the skin, example: fentanyl patch; bypasses the GI tract.

Buccal administration

Placing the drug in the cheek pouch between the cheek and gums for absorption, faster dissolution, and reduced first-pass metabolism.

Sublingual administration

Placing the drug under the tongue for rapid absorption, bypassing hepatic first-pass metabolism.

Ophthalmic ointment

Medicated ointment applied to the eye for local effect.

Eye drops (ophthalmic drops)

Liquid medications instilled into the conjunctival sac; avoid contamination and apply pressure to the inner canthus to reduce systemic absorption.

Nasal drops

Medications administered via the nasal passages for local or systemic effect.

Eye administration technique

For eye meds: adjust eyelid position (child: pull down; adult: pull back), instill into the conjunctival sac, avoid contamination of the dropper, apply inner-canthus pressure.

Oral dosage forms

Forms taken by mouth, including tablets, capsules, elixirs, suspensions, and syrups.

Tablet

Solid dosage form produced by compression; swallowed with water.

Capsule

Gelatin shell containing drug; swallowed; may be immediate- or extended-release.

Elixir

A hydroalcoholic solution containing a medication with flavoring; sweetened for palatability.

Suspension

Liquid with finely divided drug particles that must be shaken before use.

Syrup

A sweetened liquid that disguises taste and carries dissolved medication.

Enteral administration

Delivery of medications via the GI tract, typically by mouth; can involve tubes like NG tubes.

NG tube administration

Administration of meds or nutrition through a nasogastric tube; verify placement; flush with water before and after; ensure patency.

Rectal suppository

A solid dosage inserted into the rectum to dissolve and absorb, used when swallowing is not possible or for local/systemic effect.

Indications for suppositories

Inability to swallow pills, absence of gastric access, relief of fever or constipation.

Contraindications to suppositories

Sigmoid/colorectal disease, cancer, or inflammatory conditions.

Rectal administration technique

Lodge suppository 1 inch above the rectal sphincter with patient on the left side, lubricate, insert, and retain; keep patient on side as directed.

Intradermal injection

Injection into the dermis for skin testing (e.g., TB/PPD) using a small volume (0.01–0.1 mL) with a tuberculin syringe at a shallow angle.

Mantoux test (PPD)

Intr dermal skin test to assess TB exposure; read induration after 48–72 hours.

Local anesthetic (ID anesthesia)

Anesthetic injected intradermally for numbness of a small area prior to procedures.

Intramuscular injection (IM)

Injection into a muscle; common sites: deltoid, vastus lateralis, ventrogluteal; typical volumes and needle sizes vary by age.

Subcutaneous injection (SC)

Injection into fatty tissue under the skin; common site is the abdomen; rotate sites to prevent lipodystrophy.

Intravenous injection/infusion

Delivery of medications directly into the bloodstream; can be a bolus (IV push) or continuous infusion; requires maintaining IV patency and flushing.

Peripheral IV (PIV)

IV access in a peripheral vein for short-term therapy.

Central Venous Access (CVC)

Central venous access via a central vein; alternatives include PICC, Port-a-Cath, or multi-lumen catheters for long-term or high-risk therapy.

PICC line

Peripherally inserted central catheter with the tip in a central vein; used for extended IV therapy.

Port-a-Cath

Surgically implanted central venous access device with a subcutaneous reservoir for repeated IV therapy.

Triple-lumen catheter

Central venous catheter with three separate channels for multiple simultaneous therapies.

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

IV nutrition delivered via a central line with high glucose and amino acids; requires aseptic technique and routine changes.

Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition (PPN)

IV nutrition delivered via a peripheral vein; lower concentration and shorter-term support.

Fowler’s position

Semi-upright (sitting) position used for administration and certain procedures.