Chp 8

Question 1

Advantages of Oral Med Administration

Answer 1

• Convenience and patient comfort
• Safety, because some medication can be retrieved in case of error or intentional over dose
• Economy, because there are few equipment costs and most meds are formulated for this route

Question 2

Disadvantages of Oral Med Administration

• Can’t be used on NPO
• Can’t be used for unconscious patients

Answer 2

• Slower onset of absorption and action
• Rate and degree of absorption vary with gastrointestinal contents and motility
• Some drugs are destroyed by gastric juices
• Dangerous is patient has trouble swallowing
• Difficult if patient has nausea or vomiting

Question 3

Advantages of Nasogastric tube or Gastrostomy tube

Answer 3

• Ability to bypass the mouth and pharynx when necessary

- Elimination of numerous injections

Question 4

Disadvantages of Nasogastric tube or Gastrostomy tube

Answer 4

-With a conscious patient is the discomfort of the tube in the nose and throat for prolonged periods of time

Question 5

Advantages of Rectal Route

Answer 5

• Bypassing the action of digestive enzymes
• Avoidance of irritation to the upper GI tract
• Usefulness with dysphagia

Question 6

Disadvantages of Rectal Route

Answer 6

• Many meds unavailable in suppository form
• Some patients have difficulty retaining supp
• Prolonged use can cause rectal irritation
• Absorption may be irregular or incomplete if feces is present

Question 7

Appropriate action if a patient is NPO, nausea, or dysphagia

Answer 7

It may be necessary to consult the doctor regarding a change of route

Question 8

If patient refuses med

Answer 8

Always report to the person in charge and document

Question 9

Allergies

Answer 9

Always look for history of allergies, ask patient of known allergies