How to Administer Meds

Question 1

How to Administer Meds:

Answer 1

1. Confirm Tube Patency by gently flushing the gastric tube with 15mL of sterile water
2. Pinch or clamp proximal end of the gastric tube each time the syringe is removed to prevent air from entering the stomach​
3. Remove the plunger from the syringe and attach the syringe to the feeding tube​
4. Pour dissolved/diluted medication into the syringe tube, raise syringe and allow to flow by gravity​
5. Flush with 5 to 10mL of water between each medication to prevent potential drug interactions and incompatibilities​
6. After administrating the final med, flush the tube with 15-30mL of sterile water ​
7. Leave head of bed elevation for 30 minutes to facilitate flow and prevent esophageal reflux​

Question 2

Warning!

Answer 2

Do not mix multiple medications together - why? could interact with each other

Do not give meds directly into feeding - why? may have to stop feeding

Question 3

Before Proceeding

Answer 3

Ensure pt is in proper position
-Semi-fowlers 30 degrees

Question 4

Before Proceeding cont.

Answer 4

Assess the pts GI system:
-bowel sounds, presentation of abdomen
-location of enteral tube - correct label?
-is there a feeding progress

Question 5

Before Proceeding cont.

Answer 5

-Place feeding on hold, if in progress to administer meds
-If a medicine is to be given on a empty stomach what do you do?
-1hr before meal
-2hrs after a meal

Question 6

After Administration

Answer 6

When you have administered all meds and the final flush:
-“Restart feeding in a timely manner to avoid compromising the patient’s nutritional status. Feeding may be delayed for 30 minutes or longer, when appropriate, to avoid altering the bioavailability of the drug”. Boullata, 2009​