Chapter 2: Routes and Techniques of Drug Administration

What are four common drug preparations?

Drugs for oral administration, drugs for parenteral administration, drugs for inhalation, drugs for topical administration.

What is used to administer boluses in large animals?

Boluses are administered with a balling gun.

What are two types of parenteral injection forms?

Injections and implants.

What types of doses can vials be?

Vials may be either single-dose or multi-dose.

Where should all used needles be discarded?

All used needles should be discarded in a sharps container.

What are the six rights of drug administration?

Right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time and frequency, right documentation.

When should oral drugs not be administered to animals?

Oral drugs should never be administered in animals that are vomiting.

What is the advantage of intravenous administration of drugs?

Intravenous administration allows for rapid and effective drug administration.

What device can be used for administering oral medications to a cat if difficulty arises?

A pilling gun can be used as an effective method of delivery.

What type of animals does a Simplex (gravity set) IV system administer fluids to?

A Simplex IV system is used to administer fluids to large animals.

What items should be recorded in the controlled substance log?

Date, owner’s name, patient’s name, drug name, amount dispensed or administered, name(s) of personnel administering the drug.

Why should drugs given by injection not be stored in syringes for any length of time?

The plastic syringe may absorb the drug, which may cause it to be less effective.

What are four types of syringe tips available for use?

Luer-Lok, slip-tip, eccentric, catheter-tip.

How much medication can a tuberculin syringe hold?

A tuberculin syringe holds up to 1 mL of medication.

What type of syringe is divided into units rather than milliliters?

An insulin syringe.

What does the term 'enteric coated tablets' mean?

Enteric coatings have an acid-resistant coating to protect the medication from exposure to stomach acid.

What is the difference between an elixir and an emulsion?

An elixir is an alcohol-based liquid that contains flavoring and sweeteners, while an emulsion is a mixture of two or more liquids that do not readily mix.

What is the difference between an IV bolus and an IV infusion?

An IV bolus is a specific amount of drug given one time intravenously, an IV infusion is given at a slower rate over an extended period.

How often must controlled substances be inventoried?

All controlled substances must be inventoried at least once every 2 years.

What classification of controlled substance indicates the highest abuse potential?

C-I indicates a drug having the highest abuse potential.

Who must be registered for handling controlled substances and for how long?

A veterinarian who orders, dispenses, prescribes, or administers controlled substances must be registered with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA); this registration is valid for a period of 3 years.

Interpret the drug order '2 gtt AD TID × 7d' in Layman’s terms.

Place two drops in right ear three times a day for 7 days.

What is the maximum amount of time an indwelling catheter can be left in a vessel?

An indwelling catheter should not exceed 72–96 hours depending on the catheter type.

What parameters are monitored for an in-hospital patient receiving IV fluid therapy?

Monitor the drip rate, ensure proper placement of the IV catheter, inspect for kinks, and check the bandaging for cleanliness.

Describe two methods for administering liquid medications orally to large animals.

A dose syringe for small and large amounts, and a stomach tube for large amounts of liquid medication.