Chapter 36 - Administering Oral, Topical, and Mucosal Medications

Question 1

Nursing Responsibilities

Answer 1

Assess the patient for the appropriateness of medication administration.

Check all laboratory results to determine if it is safe and appropriate to administer an ordered medication.

Always check drug allergies prior to administering any medication.

Check the timing prior to administering medications.

Question 2

What do we know about oral medications

Answer 2

• Can be taken with liquid
• Can be taken with applesauce or pudding if patient has trouble swallowing
• Some capsules can be opened and mixed with liquids and soft foods

Question 3

Capsules

Answer 3

Time Released

Question 4

Elixir

Answer 4

alcohol added coloring or flavoring

Question 5

Emulsion

Answer 5

Dispersed in oil, hide bitter taste

Question 6

Lozengers

Answer 6

Mixed with hard sugar base; released slowly

Question 7

Suspensions

Answer 7

Contains fine particles that are mixed . Must be shaken to remix

Question 8

Syrups

Answer 8

High in sugar content to disguise taste

Question 9

Tablets

Answer 9

Dry, powdered compressed shapes

Question 10

What do we know about tablets?

Answer 10

Most common form of oral medications.

Broken down in the digestive tract/into the blood stream.

Chewable

Meltables

Question 11

What do we know about Enteric Coated Medications?

Answer 11

• Contains outer coating/does not dissolve until it reach the intestines.
• Protects the stomach/ulcer formation.
• Some meds destroyed by acid in stomach

Question 12

What do we know about sustained release medications?

Answer 12

Designed to slow absorption of the drug to provide a continual release over time.
Cannot crush.= can cause overdose

Question 13

What do we know about capsules?

Answer 13

• Gelatin shell.
• Easier to swallow.
• Some capsules can be opened and mix with apple sauce, pudding.
• Pharmacist will let the nurse know if it can be opened.

Question 14

Why do we use a straw when administering certain medications?

Answer 14

Can cause teeth staining

Question 15

What meds should not be crushed?

Answer 15

Sublingual tablets
Enteric coated tablets
Liquid filled gel caps
Neoplastic agents
Sustained release
Effervescent meds

Question 16

When do we hold medications?

Answer 16

• Parameters for medications are not met.
• NPO status/
• Complaints of nausea r vomiting.

*Hold and notify health care provider.

Question 17

What do we do before administering a narcotic?

Answer 17

• Asses pain level.
• Vital signs
• Respiratory status.
• Be sure the patient swallows the narcotic / and does not cheek the medication.