Oral medication concepts to know

Question 1

Given once, immediately

Answer 1

Stat order

Question 2

Given only once at a specified time

Answer 2

Single order

Question 3

Given at specific times determined by the pharmacy, unless instructed otherwise by the prescriber. Given until the order is cancelled or revised.

Answer 3

Standing order

Question 4

Given as needed. The frequency is specified by the time depends on when the last dose was given.

Answer 4

PRN order

Question 5

Order with criteria under which the medication to be given is specified.

Answer 5

Protocol order

Question 6

Lorazepam 1mg sublingually on call to OR

Answer 6

Single order

Question 7

Lactulose 300mg twice a day PRN

Answer 7

PRN order

Question 8

Regular insulin before meals - give X dose if Y blood glucose

Answer 8

Protocol order

Question 9

Morphine 2mg IV stat

Answer 9

Stat order

Question 10

Ampicillin 500mg orally q6h

Answer 10

standing order

Question 11

What must be included in the medication order for it to be considered legal?

Answer 11

Client’s name, PIN (identification number, date of order and prescriber’s name

Question 12

What are the components of an order on the MAR that need to be present to be considered complete?

Answer 12

Name of drug
Dose of the drug
Route of administration
Frequency of administration
(Time)
(Site)

Question 13

Name that may or may not be present on the label for a medication. This other name MUST be present.

Answer 13

Trade name

Generic name

Question 14

Drug is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream. Work quickly but do not last long.
What is another name for this?

Answer 14

Immediate release

Short acting

Question 15

A form of drug that is protected by an enteric coat to ensure absorption in a specific part of the bowel. Most commonly seen in drugs that are not adequately absorbed or irritates the stomach. Having this coat allows the medication to not be broken down in the stomach and travel to the small bowel to be broken down and absorbed there.

Answer 15

Delayed release

Question 16

Medication is formulated to be released slowly over time. This provides around the clock therapeutic blood levels of the medication and requires less pills to be consumed.
What are other names?

Answer 16

Extended release
Slow release
Controlled release
Long acting

Question 17

What type of meds CANNOT be crushed?

Answer 17

Extended release or delayed release

Question 18

IF a patient is unable to swallow a medication, what should be done?

Answer 18

Consult the pharmacist to see if the pill can be crushed. If not, consult the physician to change the order.

Question 19

What are assessments that must be performed prior to administering oral medications?

Answer 19

Client's understanding of the medication
Client's ability to swallow
GI function (nausea, vomiting, restrictions to oral intake)
Other health concerns
Client's identity

Question 20

What assessments must be performed following the administration of an oral medication?

Answer 20

Effectiveness of the medication

Sides

Question 21

What position should patients be in when administering oral medications?

Answer 21

high Fowler’s

Question 22

If pouring medication from a bottle, what should be done?

Answer 22

Pour into lid of bottle. then pour into medication cup