Module 9- Medication Part B/C/D

Question 1

describe oral administration

Answer 1

-easiest, most desirable way to take medication is through the mouth

Question 2

primary contraindications to giving oral meds include:

Answer 2

• Presence of GI alterations
• Inability of the patient to swallow food or fluids
• Use of gastric suction

Question 3

how can you help with aspiration

Answer 3

-sit those who have potential aspiration issues with a slightly flex head in a chin-down position (usually reduces aspiration)

Question 4

what is aspiration?

Answer 4

-aspiration occurs when food, fluid, or medication intended for GI administration is inadvertently administered into the respiratory tract

Question 5

list steps to protect patient from aspiration

Answer 5

• Determine patient’s ability to swallow
• Assess patients cough
• Determine presence of gag reflex
• Prepare oral medications in the form that is easiest for the patient to swallow
• Ensure patient is side lying or upright
• Allow self-administration if possible
• Place meds in stronger side of mouth if necessary
• Administer pills one at a time
• Thicken regular fluids if patient cannot tolerate thin liquids
• Have patient hold and drink from cup if possible
• When possible, meds should be timed with mealtimes
-If risk of aspiration is severe, do different route for administering medication

Question 6

what is the most commonly administered form of nasal instillation (admin of liquid)

Answer 6

decongestant spray or drops which are used to relieve symptoms of sinus congestion and colds

Question 7

what type of drops are safest for kids?

Answer 7

saline drops

Question 8

what type of spray is easiest for nose instillation?

Answer 8

a spray that can be self administered because the patient can control the spray and inhale as it enters the nasal passages

Question 9

what should you be careful of when instilling medication into eyes?

Answer 9

• dont apply directly into cornea
• avoid touching eyelids or other eye structures with eye dropper and ointment tubes
• use eye medication only for patients eye medication
• never allow a patient to use another patients eye medication

Question 10

what are intraocular medications and how should you administer the medication?

Answer 10

they resemble a contact lens and place medication into conjuctival sac where it remains in place for up to one week

Question 11

how are topical medications applied?

Answer 11

applied locally, or to the mucous membranes

Question 12

what are the forms of topical medication?

Answer 12

lotions, pastes, ointments, transdermal patches

Question 13

what are commonly used opthalmic/eye medication?

Answer 13

• eye drops
• eye ointments
• visine, murine

Question 14

when applying ointment to eyes, how do you apply it?

Answer 14

apply a nice amount of ointment evenly along the inner edge of lower lid on the conjunctiva from inner canthus to the outer canthus
-remove excess medication by wiping from inner to outer

Question 15

when applying nasal drops, how should the patient be positioned?

Answer 15

supine position with head turned depending on which nostril is receiving the medication

Question 16

when applying nasal spray. how should the patient be positioned?

Answer 16

seated or in high fowlers position

• Administer the nasal spray with the patients head upright.
• Avoid tipping the spray container opening downward