Medication Administration - Video Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering medication administration concepts, routes, packaging, equipment, and safety.

MAR (Medication Administration Record)

Official nursing record listing each ordered medication for a patient, including dose, route, time, and status.

Automated Medication Dispensing System (Pyxis/Omnicell)

Electronic system storing medications and requiring verification before dispensing; provides a 24-hour supply per patient.

Right Patient

Verify patient identity by name and date of birth using armband check and computer match.

Right Drug

Confirm the drug name and its intended purpose before administration.

Right Dose

Verify the prescribed amount and calculate or measure the correct dose.

Right Route

Confirm the route of administration (e.g., PO, IM, IV, SQ, SL, Buccal).

Right Time/Frequency

Administer at the correct time and according to the prescribed frequency (e.g., BID, TID, Q6H).

Right Documentation

Record administration in the MAR after giving the medication.

Right Reason

Justification for the medication based on the patient’s symptoms or condition.

Right Assessment Data

Recheck vital signs or lab values needed before administration.

Right Education

Educate the patient about why they are taking the drug and expected effects.

Right Response

Monitor and evaluate the patient’s response to the medication.

Enteric-coated (EC) Tablet

A tablet coated to dissolve in the intestine; do not crush.

Sustained-Release (SR)

An extended-release formulation; do not crush or break.

Unit Dose/Blister Pack

Packaging that contains a single dose; open at bedside with MAR for verification.

Oral Route (PO)

Administration by mouth; advantages include convenience and cost; disadvantages include aspiration and dysphagia.

Sublingual Route (SL)

Tablet placed under the tongue for rapid absorption; do not swallow.

Buccal Route

Tablet placed between cheek and gum; absorption is slower than SL; do not chew or swallow; rotate sites.

Liquid Medication Measurement (Meniscus)

Measure at the base of the meniscus with the eye level at the meniscus.

Intradermal Injection (ID)

Injection into the dermis at about 5-15 degrees; typically 0.1 mL; 25-27 gauge; ¼-½ inch; used for allergy/TB testing; produces a wheal.

Subcutaneous Injection (SQ)

Injection into adipose tissue at 45-90 degrees; usually 0.5-1 mL; 25-30 gauge; 3/8-1 inch; rotate sites.

Intramuscular Injection (IM)

Injection into muscle at 90 degrees; typical volumes 1-3 mL depending on patient and muscle.

Ventrogluteal Site

IM site in the gluteal region considered safe due to distance from major nerves/vessels; check landmarks.

Vastus Lateralis

IM site recommended for infants and children; thick thigh muscle with few major nerves.

Deltoid Site

IM site near the shoulder; used for vaccines; small volumes (about 1 mL or less); watch for nearby nerves.

Topical Administration

Application of meds to the skin or mucous membranes (creams, patches, ointments); local effect; wear gloves; date/time.

Ophthalmic Administration

Eye drops/ointment placed in the conjunctival sac; avoid touching the dropper to eye or lid.

Otic Administration

Ear drops; pinna technique varies by age (pull pinna up/back for older, down/back for younger children).

Nasal Administration

Nasal sprays/drops; clear nasal passage; hold breath briefly after administration; avoid blowing nose for several minutes.

Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI)

Inhaler delivering a fixed dose; shake well; use spacer if available; hold breath 5-10 seconds; rinse mouth after steroids.

Vaginal Administration

Creams, foams, tablets inserted intra-vaginally; may require applicator; lie down afterward to retain medication.

Rectal Administration

Suppositories or enemas; Sim’s position; insert to specified depth; bypasses GI tract; retain for several minutes.

Saline Lock (IV Infusion Lock)

IV catheter with a port to maintain vein patency for intermittent drug administration.

PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter)

Long peripheral catheter with tip in the heart; used for drawing blood, administering meds, or nutrition.

Central Venous Access Device (Central Line)

Central IV access (tunneled or non-tunneled) with an IJ entry site; used for long-term access.

Ampule

Glass single-dose container; must be broken at the neck; use a filter needle; avoid touching the rim.

Vial

Glass or plastic bottle with a rubber stopper; can be single or multi-dose; wipe diaphragm before use; inject air equal to volume drawn; label with date/time/initial.

Reconstitution

Adding a diluent to a powdered drug to convert it to a liquid for injection; read label for correct dose/volume.

Injections: Needle Gauge and Length

Needle gauge (18-30G) indicates needle diameter; length varies by route, viscosity, and patient size.

Needle Safety

Never recap a used needle; dispose in puncture-proof containers; use one-handed scoop method to recap only CLEAN needles.

Asepsis

Maintenance of sterile technique to prevent infection during injections and invasive procedures.

Insulin Units (U-100, U-50)

Insulin dosages are measured in units; U-100 is standard for most dosing; U-50 used for smaller doses.

Syringe Components

Tip (luer lock), Barrel, and Plunger—the parts used to draw and deliver medication.

Syringe Graduations

Graduated markings on the barrel indicating volume for precise measurement.

Disposal and Safety Guidelines

Follow proper disposal for sharps and medications to prevent injuries and contamination.