3 Oral, Enteral & Special Administration Routes

Oral Medications - Solid Form

Tablets, scored tablets (can be cut), capsules, pills

Oral Medications - Liquid Form

Elixirs, spirits, suspensions, syrups

Suspension Definition

Liquid solution with suspended drug particles; viscous liquids that can make floppy layer on surface

Syrup Definition

Solution of sucrose in purified water; contains preservative unless freshly prepared

Oral Route

Having patient swallow drug

Enteral Route

Administering drug through an enteral tube

Sublingual Administration

Placing drug under tongue

Buccal Administration

Placing drug between cheek and gum

Types of Enteral Tubes

Nasogastric, nasointestinal, percutaneous, PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy), jejunostomy

Enteral Medication Steps

Verify placement and drug form; use liquid medication; if crushed/opened capsule mix with 30 mL purified water immediately prior; flush tube with 15 mL water before and after; give meds individually; flush between meds

NGT on Suction Protocol

Disconnect suction and clamp tube for 30 minutes

Enteral Medication Documentation

Document meds given and total water given

Buccal/Sublingual Instructions

Do not swallow; offer water or oral care if NPO prior to administration; want all medication absorbed

Topical Route Definition

Apply medication/drug to skin or mucous membrane

Topical Administration Types

Vaginal, rectal, inunction (rubbing into skin), instillation (direct contact with mucous membrane), irrigation (flushing mucous membrane), transdermal patch, pulmonary (inhale)