Parenteral & General Medication Administration Lecture

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, procedures, pharmacology principles, regulatory bodies, and nursing responsibilities from the lecture notes on medication administration.

Parenteral medications

All medications given by routes other than the gastrointestinal tract (topical, ophthalmic, otic, nasal, inhaled, injectable, etc.).

Transdermal patch application steps

Wear gloves, remove old patch, clean/dry hair-free intact skin, apply new patch, press firmly to ensure adhesion.

Topical medication application steps

Put on gloves, clean and dry the application area before applying creams, ointments, or lotions.

Ophthalmic drops administration

Pull lower lid down to form conjunctival sac, instill drops, press nasolacrimal duct 1 min to reduce drainage.

Ophthalmic ointment administration

Apply thin ribbon of ointment inside lower conjunctival sac from inner to outer canthus.

Otic drops administration (adult)

Warm solution, pull auricle up and back, instill drops along canal wall.

Otic drops administration (child <3 yr)

Warm solution, pull ear lobe down and back, instill drops.

Nasal spray administration

Have patient blow nose, tilt head back, insert tip, spray while inhaling, avoid blowing immediately after.

Inhalation delivery devices

Cannulas, masks, CPAPs, inhalers, nebulizers.

Metered-dose inhaler (MDI) use

Hold upright, exhale, press canister while inhaling deeply, hold breath, then rinse mouth.

Nebulizer treatment

Breathe normally through mouthpiece or mask during aerosol generation; rinse mouth afterward.

CPAP function

Applies continuous positive airway pressure via mask to force air/oxygen into lungs.

Vaginal medication forms

Foams, gels, jellies, lotions, suppositories, tablets.

Vaginal medication administration steps

Supine with knees flexed, insert medication with applicator or gloved finger, keep legs together, provide privacy and assessment.

Intramuscular (IM) injection sites

Deltoid, ventrogluteal (hip), vastus lateralis (outer thigh).

IM needle length

Approximately 0.5–1.5 inches, longest among common routes.

Subcutaneous injection sites

Upper arm, abdomen, anterior thigh.

Subcutaneous needle size & angle

3⁄8-inch small-gauge needle at 45° angle.

Common subcutaneous medications

Insulin and heparin.

Intradermal (ID) injection sites

Inner forearm and upper back just below epidermis.

Intradermal needle size & angle

25–27 gauge, 1⁄4–5⁄8 inch at 10–15° to form a bleb.

Typical uses for intradermal route

Tuberculosis screening and allergy testing.

Pharmacology

The study of medications, their origin, nature, properties, and effects on living organisms.

Pharmacokinetics

Study of a drug’s absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in the body.

Absorption (pharmacokinetics)

Process of drug entering the bloodstream from its administration site.

Distribution

Delivery of absorbed drug to tissues and organs via circulation.

Metabolism

Biotransformation of drug, primarily by liver (also kidneys & intestines), into active or inactive forms.

Excretion

Removal of drug and metabolites, preventing accumulation; mainly via kidneys.

Curative medications

Drugs that cure or treat the underlying problem.

Prophylactic medications

Drugs that prevent a disease or condition from occurring.

Diagnostic medications

Medications used to aid in identifying a disease or condition.

Palliative medications

Drugs that relieve symptoms and improve comfort without curing.

Replacement medications

Substances given to replace missing body chemicals or hormones.

Destructive medications

Drugs that destroy tumors or microbes.

Absorption factor: lipid solubility

Fat-soluble drugs cross cell membranes more easily, increasing absorption rate.

Absorption factor: pH

Acidic (low-pH) drugs absorb faster than alkaline ones in gastric environment.

Absorption factor: concentration

Higher drug concentration increases rate of absorption.

Absorption factor: contact time

Longer time on skin/mucosa enhances absorption (e.g., lozenge held vs. chewed).

Absorption factor: age

Children and older adults absorb topical drugs faster than healthy adults.

Absorption factor: food

Large meals slow systemic drug absorption; faster with empty or acidic stomach.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

U.S. agency that sets regulations and laws governing medications.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

Agency that enforces laws related to controlled substances.

Generic drug name

Official non-proprietary drug name reflecting active ingredient (e.g., ibuprofen).

Trade (brand) drug name

Proprietary name owned by manufacturer (e.g., Advil, Tylenol).

Required parts of medication order/MAR

Patient name & DOB, allergies, drug name, dose, route, frequency, and prescriber signature.

LPN role in medication administration

Safely administer medications, provide patient education, and assess for medication effects or reactions.