Medication Administration student3 (1)

Enteral Medications

Medications administered via the gastrointestinal tract; for example, a patient taking a tablet with water.

Enteral Route

Route of administration that involves the GI tract; for example, swallowing a capsule.

Examples of Enteral Medications

Oral, Nasogastric, Buccal, Sublingual, Rectal; for instance, a rectal suppository for fever.

Oral Solid Medications

Includes tablets and capsules taken by mouth; example: a vitamin tablet.

Extended-Release Tablets

Tablets designed to dissolve slowly and release the medication over time; for example, pain relief medication that lasts 12 hours.

Enteric Coated Tablets

Tablets coated to prevent dissolution in the stomach, ensuring release in the intestines; e.g., aspirin designed to prevent stomach irritation.

Oral Liquid Medications

Liquid forms of medications; for example, a cough syrup that's easier to swallow.

Effervescent Salts

Solid medications that release gas when dissolved in water; an example is an antacid tablet that fizzes.

Otic Medications

Medications placed into the ear; for example, ear drops for an infection.

Nasogastric Tube

A tube inserted through the nose into the stomach; for instance, used for patients unable to swallow.

Buccal Administration

Medication placed in the mouth against the cheek; for example, a lozenge that dissolves slowly.

Sublingual Administration

Medication placed under the tongue for quick absorption; such as nitroglycerin for chest pain.

Suppositories

Solid medications designed to melt and be absorbed in the rectum; for instance, a medication for nausea.

Enemas

Liquid medications administered rectally; for example, used for constipation relief.

Parenteral Medications

Medications administered by routes other than the GI tract; e.g., insulin via injection.

Transdermal Patches

Medications delivered through the skin for systemic effects; for example, a nicotine patch to quit smoking.

Topical Medications

Applied directly to the skin; for instance, antibiotic cream for a wound.

Ophthalmic Medications

Medications administered directly into the eye; such as eye drops for allergies.

Intramuscular Injection (IM)

A method of delivering medication deep into the muscle; for example, a flu vaccine in the deltoid muscle.

Subcutaneous Injection (SC)

A method of delivering medication into the fatty tissue beneath the skin; such as insulin.

Intravenous Injection (IV)

The fastest method of delivering medication directly into the bloodstream; for instance, a saline drip in a hospital.

Z-Track Injection

A method used to minimize irritation to subcutaneous tissue during IM injections; for example, given for certain medications.

Intradermal Injection

Injection administered just below the skin; often used for allergy testing, like the TB test.

Complications of IV Therapy

Issues like infiltration, thrombus, and air emboli; e.g., swelling at the IV site indicates infiltration.

Needle Gauges

The width of the needle's lumen; a larger gauge number means a smaller needle—27 gauge is small, while 14 gauge is large.

IV Administration Supplies

Includes poles, solutions, tubing, and needles; necessary for setting up an IV drip.

Otic Administration Technique

Pull the pinna up and back for adults; down and back for children; ensures correct insertion for ear drops.

Intravenous Fluids

Solutions administered through IV; for example, dextrose or saline for hydration.

IV Medication Infusion

The process of delivering medication through an IV line; often for pain management.

Syringe Types

Includes tuberculin, insulin, and standard hypodermic syringes; each used for specific medications.

Primary IV fluids

Fluids as the main source of hydration and electrolytes; such as normal saline.

Secondary IV medications

Medications added to the primary IV fluid for delivery; e.g., antibiotics mixed in the IV.

IV Complications Examples

Infiltration and air emboli; complications to monitor during IV administration.

Injection Sites for IM

Common sites include Deltoid, Vastus lateralis; for example, deltoid for vaccines.

Administration of Vaginal Medications

Via foams, gels, creams; such as antifungal creams for infections.

Nasal Medication Administration

Administered via spray or instillation; for instance, a nasal decongestant.

Methods of Administration

Techniques including topical, inhaled, and injectable; different approaches for delivering medications.

Buccal and Sublingual Medications

Devices placed in the mouth for absorption; for instance, a sublingual tablet for rapid relief.

Ventral Gluteal Injection Site

An IM injection site in the hip area; often preferred for certain medications.

Deltoid Injection Site

An IM injection site in the upper arm; commonly used for vaccines.

Vastus Lateralis Injection Site

An IM injection site in the outer thigh; often used for children and infants.

Complications of Subcutaneous Injection

Possible complications include irritation; important to monitor the site.

Importance of Flushing Nose for Nasogastric Tubes

Essential for proper placement; helps ensure tube is clear and functional.

Medication Absorption Characteristics

Refers to how forms affect absorption; e.g., liquid forms typically absorb faster than solids.

Needle Lengths

Needle lengths range from 3/8 to 2 inches; chosen based on injection type and site.