ATI Oral Medications Flashcards
Unit Dose System
Each dose of medication is packaged separately.
Pharmacy Bulk System
A labeled container that hold multiple doses.
Sublingual
Under the tongue.
Instruct client to keep medication in place until it dissolves.
Buccal
Between gum and cheek.
Alternate sides with each dose to avoid mucosal irritation.
Troche
Lozenge, allow to dissolve, do not crush, chew, or swallow.
Elixir
A mixture of water, alcohol, sweetener, and medication.
Syrup
A mixture of water, concentrated sugar, and medication.
Suspension
Small particles of medication that do not dissolve fully in water. Suspensions must be shaken or stirred before measuring and administration.
Solution
Medication dissolved in water or 0.9% sodium chloride.
Liquid Measuring Devices
Measuring Cup = 5- 30 mL
Medicine Spoon = 1 - 10 mL
Oral Syringe
Use spoon, syringe, or dropper for any amount less than 5 mL.
Basic information included on all MARs
Client’s identifying information
Current date
Prescription information
Time of medication admission
Information included on pharmacy bulk system label
Generic and brand names Use for medication How much is in the container. The concentration of medication. Directions for use. How to store the medication.
Forms of solid medications
Tablet, enteric coated tablet, troche, capsule, caplet
Forms of liquid medications
Elixir, syrup, suspensions, solution
Routes for oral medications
Swallowed, sublingual, buccal, and dissolved in the mouth
Tablets that can be divided
Only scored tablets can be divided.
Solid medications that cannot be crushed
Capsules, extended release, time release, enteric coated, delayed release, very unpleasant tasting, irritating to mucus membranes
Client instructions when administering a troche
Do not eat or drink for 5 minutes before or after the troche has fully dissolved. Client should allow troche to completely dissolve in the mouth.
Client instructions before administering a buccal medication
Place medication between cheek and gum and allow to fully dissolve.
Client instructions before administering a sublingual medication
Place medication under the client’s tongue and instruct to keep in place until the medication is full dissolved.
Where does an enteric coated medication get absorbed?
In the small intestine.
Action taken prior to dispensing a liquid medication suspension.
Shake or stir well immediately prior to administration
