Oral and Topical Medication Administration

tablets, capsules, powder, liquid, time released, buccal, sublingual

types of oral medications (7)

oral syringe

most accurate way to measure liquid medication

between cheek and gum

where do buccal meds go?

True

True or False: measure liquids in syringe if possible

easy to use (can be self administered) and wide variety of medications

benefits of oral route (2)

aspiration and many GI side effects

risks of oral route (2)

check gag reflex, sit client up, administer one at a time, use small sips of water

interventions to prevent aspiration (4)

topical medication

often intended for direct action at the administration site, though can be for systemic effect

ability to be directly absorbed into systemic circulation, bypassing the first pass effect

benefit of topical medications

MDI, dry powder inhaler, hand-held nebulizer

types of inhaled medications (3)

medication history, allergies, diet, perceptual or coordination impairments (swallowing ability), current condition, physical assessment (vital signs, laboratory values)

pre administration assessment (6)

is the medication working? therapeutic effects and adverse effects

post administration assessment

emollients, steroids, antihistamines, hormone replacement, nitroglycerin, sunscreen, moisturizer

examples of lotions, creams, ointments (7)

put on gloves and apply to affected area; assess skin for effectiveness and necessity

key administration elements for lotions/creams/ointments (2)

hours to weeks

transdermal patches can last….

smoking cessation, birth control, hormone replacement therapy, nitroglycerin, fentanyl, lidocaine, scopolamine

examples of transdermal medications (7)

• wear gloves

• assess skin for irritation and breakdown

• clean, dry, and clear site of hair

• rotate sites to avoid irritation

• remove previous before applying new

• don’t write directly on patch

• never cut

• document location of application

key administration elements for transdermal (8)

lubricant, antihistamine, glaucoma agents

examples of ophthalmic medications (ointment or drops) (3)

• give pt tissue and have look at ceiling

• gloved hand to hold eye open

• don’t touch eye or lashes with dropper

• drop onto lower eyelid pocket

• avoid rubbing eye

• hold inner tear duct to avoid systemic absorption

administration of eye drops (very similar to ointment) (6)

lubricant and antibiotics

types of otic medications (2)

• warm the solution in hands

• lay with effected ear up and straighten auditory canal

• squeeze drops down side of canal and not directly down

• insert cotton ball and lay that way for 5 minutes

instructions for otic drops (4)

antihistamines, steroids, decongestants, moisturizers

examples of nasal medications (4)

• occlude 1 nostril while inverting bottle

• put piece in nostril and point toward septum

• pt inhale at same time you spray

• hold breath then breath slowly through mouth

• avoid blowing nose 5-10 minutes

how to nasal spray (5)

antifungal, antibiotic, hormone replacement

examples of vaginal meds (ointment or suppository) (3)

• empt bladder before insert

• on back with knees flexed, draping for privacy

• use gloves

• insert applicator

• remain supine 5-10 minutes after

• peri pad for drainage

key administration elements for vaginal meds (6)

laxative, anti-emetic, analgesic, anti-pyretic

examples of rectal meds (4)

• place in sims position

• drape for privacy

• remove from wrapper

• surgical lubricant on round end

• place 3-4'“ in along rectal wall

• remain on side 5 minutes and provide peri care

key administration elements for rectal medications (6)

bronchodilator, corticosteroid

examples of inhaled medications (2)

shake aerosol before use, open cap, hold breath 5-10 seconds, wait 1-5 min between breaths, rinse mouth and gargle if corticosteroid

key administration elements for inhaled medications (5)