Medication Administration (Small Animals) Flashcards
What are the 6 basic guidelines for medication administration, diagnostic sampling, and performing therapeutic procedures?
- Gather supplies ahead of time
- Collect + store sample in appropriate containers
- Obtain pretreatment blood + urine samples BEFORE giving fluids and/or meds
- Properly prep skin + look for inflammation/infection BEFORE inserting a needle
- Handle needles + IV caths at hub once sterile coverings are removed
- Always know possible risks/complications of procedures/treatments
List the 13 routes of medication administration
- Oral
- Transdermal
- Topical Ophthalmic
- Aural
- Intrarectal
- Intranasal
- Intradermal (ID)
- Subcutaneous (SC)
- Intramuscular (IM)
- Intravenous (IV)
- Intratracheal
- Intraosseous
- Intraperitoneal (IP)
PROCEDURE - Liquid Medication Administration
- Pull out the patient’s lower lip at the commissure (corner)
- Place tip of syringe or dropper between the cheek and gum
- DON’T elevate the muzzle > to avoid aspiration
- Inject the liquid
syringe-like device used to give tablets or capsules to dogs and cats
Piller or Pill Gun
Piller or Pill Gun
PROCEDURE - Capsule and Tablet Medication Administration (hand placement)
- Tilt head back
- Pry jaws open
- Place tablet far back on the base of the tongue
- Hold muzzle closed
- Stimulate animal to swallow
– Massage under chin/throat
– Tap the tips of the nose
– Blow air into nostrils - When animal licks its nose > can assume tablet has been swallowed
- Syringe some liquid into mouth > reduce complications due to prolonged contact between pill + esophageal lining if it gets stuck
a flexible plastic tube that’s placed in the mouth and passed directly into the stomach
Orogastric Tubes (OGT)
List the 3 types of oral medication administration
- Liquid meds
- Capsules and tablets
- Orogastric tubes (OGT)
When would you use an OGT? List 3 indications
- Administer activated charcoal solutions or lavage the stomach in cases of toxic substance ingestion
- Nutritional support for weak or orphaned neonatal animals
- Decompressing patients with gastric dilatation (bloated stomach)
When placing an OGT directly into the stomach, mark it at the ______ rib.
13th rib
When placing an OGT into distal esophagus, mark it at the ______ rib.
8th rib
Use ___ to ____ Fr catheter for OGTs
10- to 22-Fr
PROCEDURE - Orogastric Tube Placement
- Determine necessary tube (10- to 22-Fr) length > measure from tip of the nose to the 8th or 13th rib > mark it accordingly with ink or tape
- Lubricate tip of tube with a water-based gel
- Place the animal in sitting, standing, or sternal recumbency
- Hold the mouth open with a suitable object + keep muzzle at neutral position
- Pass the tube slowly through the speculum
- If swallowing reflex occurs > continue
- If animal coughs > remove + redirect the tube - Advance the tube until it reaches the length indicated by the tube marking
- Verify correct placement of tube into GI tract BEFORE administering fluids
- Add intended fluid to OGT using one of the following:
- Syringe
- Metal drench pump
- Funnel - Bend OGT to occlude it > withdraw tube using a downward motion
method of medication administration through the dermis
Transdermal Route
When would you use the transdermal route for medication administration? (2)
- Drugs with systemic or local effects
- Transdermal analgesics
List 3 common areas for ointment/cream application
- Pinna
- Groin
- Shaved area of ventral thorax
Where should transdermal medications NOT be administered? Why?
Areas that come in contact with heat sources
Heat is a vasodilator > rate of drug delivery is increased
PROCEDURE - Ointment/Cream Medication Application
- Locate area with little or no hair
- Use gloves or a piece of wax paper to apply meds
- Cover the medicated area of the skin with a light bandage
- Place note on patient’s cage door specifying:
- Medication used
- Application site
- Duration of time that must pass before site can be safely touched
PROCEDURE - Patch Medication Application
- Shave + dry a region of patient’s skin
- Without touching adhesive side > apply patch to shaved skin
- Apply gentle pressure to the patch with the palm of the hand for 1 min
- Cover with tape > write date + time of application
method of medication administration via the eye
Topical Ophthalmic Route
If multiple topical ophthalmic meds needed > apply _____ apart
3-5 minutes
Topical Ophthalmic Medications:
Always apply _____ first and _____ last.
Always apply LIQUIDS first and OINTMENTS last.
PROCEDURE - Topical Ophthalmic Medication Administration
- Use thumb + index finger of 1 hand to open the eyelids > other hand resting on patient’s head + holding medication
- Administer medication
- If liquid > add a drop of the med to the sclera
- If ointment > add a 3-5 mm strip of the med to upper sclera or lower palpebral border
If applying liquid topical ophthalmic medication > add ____ of the medication to _____
If applying liquid topical ophthalmic medication > add 1 DROP of the medication to SCLERA
If applying ointment topical ophthalmic medication > add _____ of the medication to _____.
If applying ointment topical ophthalmic medication > add 3-5 MM STRIP of the medication to UPPER SCLERA or LOWER PALPEBRAL BORDER
method of medication administration via the ear canal
Aural Route
PROCEDURE - Aural Medication Application
- Clean ear of debris
- Pull the pinna up + slightly out laterally
- Place tip of the med applicator into vertical ear canal
- Squeeze the meds into the ear
- Massage the base of the ear gently to better distribute the meds
PROCEDURE - Intrarectal Suppository Application
- Wearing gloves > lubricate a finger
- Insert the tablet into the rectum at least 5 cm
PROCEDURE - Intrarectal Liquid Medication Application
- Lubricate a short rubber feeding tube or urinary catheter
- Insert 8-10 cm into rectum
- Place liquid medication into syringe
- Inject medication through catheter
- Flush 4 mL or more of warm water
PROCEDURE - Warm Water Enema Administration
- Lubricate a short rubber feeding tube or urinary catheter
- Insert 8-10 cm into rectum > into the large intestine
- Hold tube in raised position > funnel or inject warm water into catheter
- Gently move tube back and forth to advance up intestinal tract as feces is expelled
- Place animal in an area where it can defecate
PROCEDURE - Medicated Enema Administration
- Lubricate a short rubber feeding tube or urinary catheter
- Insert into rectum > into descending colon
- Hold tube in raised position > funnel or inject enema fluid with medication into catheter
- Hold rectum closed with gloved hand for predetermined amount of time
- Once allotted time has passed > remove catheter
- Place animal in an area where it can defecate
PROCEDURE - Intranasal Medication Administration
- Slightly elevate the muzzle with one hand
- Place the tip of the med dispenser into the nostril > compress the dispenser
OR
Squeeze medication from pipette onto plane of the nose > animal inhales > vaccine runs into each nostril
method of medication administration between the dermis and epidermis of the skin
Intradermal (ID) Route
PROCEDURE - Intradermal (ID) Medication Administration
- Using #40 clipper blade > shave hair on the lateral aspect of the trunk
- Moisten a gauze sponge with water > gently wipe skin
- Attach 1 mL syringe to 25- to 27-gauge needle
- Lift a fold of skin + insert the needle into the dermis with the bevel up
- Inject a small volume into the skin
- Translucent lump appears at injection site if performed correctly
When are 2 scenarios you would use ID route for medication administration?
- Perform allergy testing
- Give local anesthetics
method of medication administration below the skin
Subcutaneous (SC) Route
When are 2 scenarios you would use SC route for medication administration?
- Admin various types of meds
- Apply fluids for mild to moderate dehydration
Up to ____ or _____ of body temperature fluid can be administered in one location SC.
50 or 100 mL
Preferred locations for SC medication administration in canines
Dorsolateral region of the body from the neck to hips
AVOID ______ and ______ regions when administering medication SC
Dorsal neck and Intrascapular regions
If multiple vaccines or meds must be administered SC > keep injection sites a minimum of ____ apart
3 cm
When are 2 scenarios you would NOT use SC route for medication administration?
- Severely dehydrated patients
- Critically ill patients
Aka if immediate absorption is required
Preferred locations for SC medication administration in felines
Distal limbs
Feline rabies vaccine is given in the ____ leg
right rear leg
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccine is given in the ____ leg
right front leg
Feline leukemia vaccine is given in the _____ leg
left rear leg
PROCEDURE - Subcutaneous (SC) Medication Administration
- Tent a fold of skin
- Insert the needle into the base of the fold + parallel to its long axis
- Slightly retract the syringe to check for accidental vessel penetration
- If no blood seen in the syringe > inject meds slowly
- If blood seen in the syringe > remove needle + reinsert in another location - Briefly massage the skin to help drug distribution
When would you use the IM route for medication administration?
Injecting small volumes of medication
List 5 preferred locations for IM medication administration
- Lumbosacral muscles (except very thin animals)
- Semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscles (avoid sciatic nerve)
- Cranial thigh muscle (well-muscled animals)
- Gastrocnemius (well-muscled animals)
- Triceps (occasionally)
Use the ____ to ____ lumbar regions to administer heartworm treatment IM
3rd to 5th
NEVER use ____ muscles for IM medication administration
neck muscles
PROCEDURE - Intramuscular (IM) Medication Administration
- Attach a syringe to 22- to 25-gauge needle
- Isolate muscle between fingers + thumb
- Insert needle into muscle
- Slightly retract the syringe to check for accidental vessel penetration
- If no blood seen in the syringe > inject meds slowly
- If blood seen in the syringe > remove needle + reinsert in another location - Massage the injection site for a few seconds to help drug distribution
When are 2 scenarios you would use IV medication administration?
- Drugs that need to reach blood levels quickly
- Drugs that would irritate the tissues or be insufficient if given by other routes
Preferred IV locations for canines (3)
- Cephalic vein
- Lateral saphenous vein
- Jugular vein
Preferred IV locations for felines (4)
- Cephalic vein
- Medial saphenous
- Jugular vein
- Femoral vein
PROCEDURE - Intravenous Injection
- Occlude the vessel with digital pressure or a tourniquet
- Grasp the extremity and pull the skin tautly in a distal direction (tenting the skin)
- Wipe an alcohol-soaked cotton ball over the skin + hair covering a distal section of a peripheral vein
- Insert a 22-25 gauge needle attached to a syringe, with the bevel facing up through the skin and into the vein
- Aspirate a small volume of blood into the syringe to ensure that the needle is within the vein
- Release pressure from the vein
- Inject the contents of the syringe into the vein
- Remove the needle + apply digital pressure to the needle insertion site for 30-60 sec > until hemostasis occurs
Use a ____ to ____ gauge needle for IM and IV injections
22 to 25 gauge needle
If a hematoma occurs when needle is inserted IV…
- Remove the needle + apply digital pressure over the hematoma until the bleeding subsides
- Make another injection attempt proximal to the initial site OR in a different vein
Choosing an IV catheter site depends on:
1.
2.
3.
4.
- Available vessels
- Condition of vessels
- Patient
- Situation urgency
Length + gauge of IV catheter depends on:
1.
2.
3.
4.
- Species
- Size of patient
- Size of available veins
- Condition of available veins
List the 4 types of IV catheters
- Winged Needle (Butterfly)
- Over-the-Needle (OTN)
- Through-the-Needle (TTN)
- Multilumen
the type of IV catheter meant for short-term use in relatively immobile patients, and may be used for blood collection or nonirritating medication administration
Butterfly Catheter
Butterfly Catheter
the type of IV catheter primarily used for peripheral vein catheterization
Over-the-Needle (OTN) Catheter
Most common type of catheter used
OTN
Over-the-Needle (OTN) Catheter
the type of IV catheter primarily used for jugular vein catheterization
Through-the-Needle (TTN) Catheter
Through-the-Needle (TTN) Catheter
the type of IV catheter that allow for simultaneous infusions at a single insertion site and is typically placed percutaneously with a guidewire
Multilumen Catheter
Multilumen Catheter
Peripheral vein catheters are used for medications and fluids with osmolality of _______
600 milliosmoles (mOsm) or less
a small incision extending through the dermis that can ease needle/catheter insertion, reduce skin tension and friction against catheters of dehydrated animals, and reduce risk of infection
Facilitative Incision (Relief Hole)
PROCEDURE - Peripheral Vein Catheter Placement
- Place patient in appropriate restraint based on vein used
- Shave + aseptically prepare the insertion site
- Using #11 blade or 20-gauage needle > make a 0.5 - 1.0 mm relief hole directly over the vessel
- Using tourniquet or assistant > occlude the vessel upstream of insertion site
- VT grasps distal portion of patient’s leg > extend leg to tense + immobilize the vein
- Stabilize the vein by placing thumb alongside vein
- Insert needle bevel up through the skin or relief hole at 15º angle
- When blood appears in the hub > advance the needle/catheter unit up for additional 1-4 mm
- Holding needle steady + maintaining longitudinal tension on the leg > gently slide the catheter off the needle + further into the vein
- Close the catheter with an injection cap or T-connector
- Flush with heparinized normal saline
- Wrap 1.5 in strip of tape around circumference of catheter hub + leg
- Cover the insertion site with a 2”x2” piece of gauze
- Wrap roll gauze around cath/leg proximal + distal to insertion site > tape
Preferred restraint position for jugular vein catheterization
Lateral recumbency > head extended + forelimbs positioned caudally
Direct jugular vein catheters _____ the heart
toward
What is the most important thing to remember when placing a jugular catheter with a guidewire? Why?
VT should always maintain a firm grip on the wire to prevent embolism of the guidewire
PROCEDURE - Jugular Vein Catheter Placement (TTN)
- Place the patient in lateral recumbency > extend the head + position forelimbs caudally
- Estimate the catheter distance > measure from insertion site to caudal edge of the triceps muscle
- Shave + antiseptically prepare insertion site
- VA press into the thoracic inlet to occlude vein
- Insert catheter needle subcutaneously > position needle tip over vein + along longitudinal axis (as close as possible)
- Once estimated entire needle tip is within vein lumen > stabilize needle > thread catheter into the vein
- Once catheter is fully advanced into vein > apply pressure over venous puncture site to stop bleeding > back needle out > secure needle guard around the needle
- Remove plastic protective bag + stylet > aspirate to confirm proper placement + clear catheter of air > flush with heparinized saline
- Close the catheter with an injection cap or T-connector > flush with heparinized saline again
- Suture or staple catheter close to insertion site
- Cover the insertion site with a 2”x2” piece of gauze > apply roll gauze > apply tape
To estimate jugular vein catheter distance > measure from ______ to ______.
Insertion site to caudal edge of triceps muscle
smaller catheter
Trocar
port of the multilumen catheter that terminates at the very tip of the catheter and is the one through which the guidewire is passed
Distal Port
PROCEDURE - Jugular Vein Catheter Placement using Seldinger Guidewire Technique (Multilumen Catheter)
- Estimate the catheter distance > measure from insertion site to caudal edge of the triceps muscle
- Shave + antiseptically prepare insertion site > drape insertion site
- Identify distal port of multilumen catheter > flush all ports > cap all ports EXCEPT distal port
- Use scalpel blade to make relief incision at insertion site > insert introducing needle or short OTN catheter through relief hole > into the vessel
- Thread guidewire through inserting needle or catheter into the vessel approximately 2/3 to 3/4 of its length > DO NOT LET GO
- Remove introducing needle or catheter > grasp the vessel dilator near distal tip > thread dilator over the wire + into the vessel using a forward twisting motion
- Apply pressure over insertion site with aseptic gauze pads > remove dilator
- Thread multilumen catheter over the guidewire until proximal end of wire protrudes from catheter hub
- Holding the proximal end of guidewire > advance catheter into vessel desired premeasured distance
- Remove guidewire > aspirate all ports to remove any air > flush all ports with heparinized saline
- Suture or staple catheter close to insertion site
- Cover the insertion site with a 2”x2” piece of gauze > apply roll gauze > apply tape
IV Catheter Care and Maintenance:
Do not leave in place for more than ______
72 hours
IV Catheter Care and Maintenance:
Perform care every _______
48 hours or on as-needed basis
IV Catheter Care and Maintenance:
If patient is disturbing bandage >
investigate reason > may be a problem with catheter or bandage
IV Catheter Care and Maintenance:
If swelling DISTAL to insertion site >
bandage is too tight
IV Catheter Care and Maintenance:
If swelling PROXIMAL to insertion site >
signs of infiltration
IV Catheter Care and Maintenance:
If bandage is wet >
identify reason > change
vein inflammation
Phlebitis
formation of a blood clot
Thrombosis
List 3 signs of IV catheter-induced pathology
- Phlebitis
- Infection
- Thrombosis
4 signs of IV catheter-induced phlebitis
- Erythema
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Increased skin temperature
increased skin redness
Erythema
5 signs of IV catheter-induced infection
- Erythema
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Increased skin temperature
- Purulent discharge
2 signs of IV catheter-induced thrombosis
- Veins standing on their own
- Cord-like feeling in veins
If IV catheter is not used continuously for fluid administration > flush every _____ with _____ of ______.
flush every 4 hours with 4 units/mL of heparinized saline
Discard heparinized saline bags every ______ to minimize contamination risk
12-24 hours
If IV catheter will not be used for prolonged period > consider a ______
hep-loc
PROCEDURE - Creating an IV Catheter Hep-Loc
- Fill dead space in catheter with 100 units/mL heparin every 12 hours
- Aspirate concentrated heparin solution
- Administer medication or renew hep-loc – NEVER flush concentrated heparin solution into patient
- Clearly label catheter to prevent inadvertent flushing into patient
cytotoxic solutions that cause tissue irritation if injected extravascularly
Vesicants
Use IV chemotherapy catheters when administering _______.
Vesicants
Why is it important to only puncture a vessel once during IV chemotherapy catheters?
Medication can leak out through holes into surrounding tissue
Why is it important to flush the IV catheter with non-heparinized 0.9% saline when using some chemo drugs?
They precipitate when mixed with heparin
Give 1 example of a IV chemo drug that will precipitate if you flush the catheter with heparinized saline
Doxorubicin
to flow out from the containing vessel into the surrounding area
Extravasation
state of being open or unblocked
Patency
List 3 signs of IV extravasation
- Loss of catheter patency
- Redness or swelling at or proximal to injection site
- Vocalization or signs of discomfort by patient
PROCEDURE - Addressing Drug Extravasation
- Aspirate 5mL of blood back into the catheter > removes as much drug as possible from site
- Infuse tissue surrounding injection site with:
- Normal saline
- Corticosteroids
OR
- 2% lidocaine - Apply warm or cold compress
- Depends on drug used
PROCEDURE - Administering <2 mL of Chemotherapy Drugs via IV Catheter
- Use 23- or 25-gauge butterfly catheter
- Administer drug
- Flush catheter with several mL of nonheparinized 0.9% saline
- Crimp tubing > prevents fluid from leaking back out of catheter
- Cover needle with alcohol-soaked gauze pad + remove needle from vein
- Bandage venipuncture site
Give 1 example of an IV chemo drug in which less than 2 mL is typically administered
Vincristine
method of medication administration via the trachea or endotracheal tube
Intratracheal Route
List the 3 drugs administered via the intratracheal route
- Atropine
- Lidocaine
- Epinephrine
Which scenario would you administer medication via the intratracheal route?
Emergency purposes in unconscious animals
Ex: during cardiopulmonary resuscitation
PROCEDURE - Intratracheal Medication Administration
- Fill syringe with target drug
- Insert a polypropylene urinary catheter or rubber feeding tube into trachea directly or through an endotracheal tube
- Forcefully inject drug through catheter or tube
- Inject air (10 mL) or sterile saline (3 to 10 mL) into the catheter or tube > disperses drug
method of medication administration into the bone marrow
Intraosseous Route (IO)
Give 4 scenarios you would administer medication via the intraosseous route
- Delivery of fluids, drugs, and blood products
- When IV catheterization is not possible or cannot be performed quickly
- May be useful in emergency situations
- Rapid fluid delivery to neonates, small animals, and patients with circulatory collapse
What are 3 preferred locations and 2 occasionally used location for intraosseous medication administration?
- Tibia
- Femur
- Humerus
- Iliac wing (sometimes)
- Ischium (sometimes)
Give the two gauge ranges of needles used in intraosseous medication administration
- 15- to 18-gauge bone marrow needles
- 18- to 22-gauge hypodermic needle (neonates only)
Give 3 contraindications for intraosseous medication administration
- Sepsis
- Bone infection
- Fracture
a wire run through a needle or catheter to prevent it from bending or to remove debris from its lumen
Stylet
Intraosseous needles and catheters should have a ______
stylet
Intraosseous catheters can remain in place for up to _______ in non-ambulatory patients
3 days
________ to confirm correct placement of intraosseous catheters
Withdraw a small amount of bone marrow
PROCEDURE - Intraosseous (IO) Medication Administration
- Place patient in appropriate restraint
- Shave + aseptically prepare the skin over the bone to be injected
- Local anesthesia provided via injecting 0.5 - 1.0 mL of 2% lidocaine into skin, SC, and periosteum
- Make skin incision
- Insert needle through skin incision + into bone > use firm + steady pressure > rotate wrist back and forth
- When needle feels firmly embedded > needle has entered marrow cavity
- Aspirate bone marrow into syringe attached to needle hub to confirm proper placement
- Once needle is placed > wrap the needle where it exits the skin with a butterfly tape tab > suture tape to the skin
- Apply a povidone-iodine ointment-treated gauze pad to entry site > apply bulky gauze bandage around the needle
- Flush needle every 6 hours with 1-2 mL heparinized 0.9% saline to maintain patency
method of medication administration into the abdominal cavity
Intraperitoneal (IP) Route
PROCEDURE - Intraperitoneal (IP) Medication Administration
- Shave + aseptically prepare ventral abdomen between the umbilicus + bladder
- Insert 18- to 22-gauge needle or catheter into abdominal cavity > on the ventral midline + 3 cm caudal to the umbilicus
- Attach syringe to needle or catheter > aspirate
- If no blood or fluid in syringe > needle is in proper location in peritoneal cavity
- If blood or fluid in syringe > needle may have punctured a vessel or an abdominal organ > remove needle > insert new needle into a different site - If syringe remains empty when negative pressure is applied > medication or fluids have been injected
characterized as not causing chemical burns, corrosion, or damage to tissue upon contact
Noncaustic
Give 3 scenarios when you would administer medication via the intraperitoneal route
- Administer noncaustic fluids, blood products, or medications
- Used in neonates if IV or IO access is difficult to obtain
- Perform IP lavage
Use body temperature fluids for an IP lavage in patients with:
1.
2.
- Peritonitis
- Pancreatitis
Use warm or cool fluids for an IP lavage in patients with:
1.
2.
- Severe hyperthermia
- Severe hypothermia
PROCEDURE - Microchipping
- Ensure pet doesn’t already have a microchip > scan entire patient
- If no microchip > scan the microchip’s package
- If microchip works > properly restraint patient (if awake)
- Dogs > assistant uses sternal recumbency
- Cats > assistant uses sternal or lateral recumbency + grab the scruff + restrain back end - Tent the skin in the scruff region with one hand + prep insertion site with alcohol with other hand
- Insert the needle of the microchipping device into the base of the fold + parallel to its long axis
- Push plunging device to insert the microchip
- Release grip on the tent + apply pressure/pinch the skin near insertion site as you pull needle out
- Ensure microchip stayed in patient > scan insertion site
- Microchip can now be registered into national database with owner’s contact info
tool used in tattoo pet identification that comes with a set of small plates containing tiny needles shaped into letters or numbers
Plier Set
PROCEDURE - Tattooing Identification Number
- Gather all supplies
- Anesthetize or sedate patient
- Shave desired location
- Clean area with isopropyl alcohol
- Apply the tattoo
- If using pliers: - Place plates into pliers
- Place ink on the ear pinna
- Clamp down pliers to punch ink into skin
- Rub additional ink into the tattoo
- Use alcohol to remove any additional ink from site
-If using tattoo gun:
1. Write letters and numbers directly onto the skin
- Sterilize applicator for next patient