Medication Administration Flashcards
When are nasal instillations (nose drops and sprays) usually used?
They shrink swollen mucous membranes, loosen secretions and facilitate drainage, or to treat injections of the nasal cavity or sinuses
What are the types of vaginal medications?
Creams, Jellies, Foams, or Suppositories
What are vaginal medications used for?
To treat infection or to relieve vaginal discomfort
How are vaginal creams, jellies, and foams applied?
By a tubular applicator with a plunger
What is vaginal irrigation? What is it used for?
It is douching, or washing the vagina by a liquid at low pressure.
It is used to prevent infection by removing any harmful bacteria or discharge, reduce inflammation, or prevent hemorrhage by the application of heat or cold.
What should the client do before administering vaginal medication? Why?
Client should void.
It is so the client has less discomfort during the treatment and avoid injuring the vaginal lining.
How should the client be positioned when receiving vaginal instillations?
Back-lying position with the knees flexed and the hips rotated laterally.
Note: Drape the client appropriately
What are the advantages of rectal administration of medication?
Avoids irritation of the upper GI
Drug is released at a slow but steady rate
Good if the medication has a bad taste or odor
What position is used for administering suppositories?
Left lateral or left Sim’s position
How long must the client remain in that position in order to help retain the suppository?
At least 5 minutes
What are Spacers used for?
Holds medications in a suspension and provide the child an opportunity to take several deep breaths in order inhale all of the medication.
What are nebulizers?
A device that delivers medications through inhaled route. (Inhalers are a type of nebulizers)
When do you use pharyngeal suctioning to collect sputum?
When the client cannot cough up the secretions.
How do you obtain a throat culture?
Using gloves, insert the cotton swab into the Oropharynx and run the swab along the Tonsils and areas on the Phayrnx that are reddened or contain exudate
What are the ways to make obtaining a throat culture easier?
Have the patient SIT UPRIGHT and say AHH to STICK OUT THEIR TONGUE
