2. Primary Assessment
• Oral medications should be as palatable as possible.
• For liquid medication, measure the dose exactly using the
proper measuring device e.g., oral/liquid dispenser, medicine
dropper, or graduated medicine cup.
• Do not put medications back in the container after they have
been poured.
• Oral medications are given according to each Unit’s posted
medication times unless a physician’s order states differently.
3. • The person administering medication shall have
knowledge of the medication, including drug and food
interactions, the usual dose, route of administration, the
expected side effects, and any special precautions or
contraindications.
4. • Oral medications are contraindicated for Individuals who
experience nausea and vomiting, are unable to take
medications by mouth because of a disease condition, or
are unconscious.
• Always check the expiration date on the label or
container of the medication to be administered.
• Check storage requirements as some medications need
to be refrigerated.
5. • Perform hand hygiene.
• Check room for additional precautions.
• Introduce yourself to patient.
• Confirm patient ID using two patient identifiers (e.g.,
name and date of birth).
6. • Check allergy band for any allergies.
• Complete necessary focused assessments and/or vital
signs, and document on MAR.
• Provide patient education as necessary.
7. • Plan medication administration to avoid disruption:
• Dispense medication in a quiet area.
• Avoid conversation with others.
• Follow agency’s no-interruption zone policy.
• Prepare medications for ONE patient at a time.
• Follow the RIGHTS of medication administration.
8. PURPOSE:
• Medications are administered orally to produce local
effect on the alimentary canal or systemic effect after
absorption into the blood stream.
9. Preparation of medication
trolley:
• A trolley
• A clean tray containing:
Ounce glass, minim glass, teaspoon or dropper
Drinking water in glass or feeding cup
Mortar and pestle
Towel
Kidney tray or paper bag
Plastic medication container
Medicine card
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17. Preparation of patient
• Explain procedure to patient
• Discuss need for medication
• Assist client to sit if possible. A lateral position is next
safest position.
• Give mouth wash if necessary
• Protect bed cloths and garments with towel placed under
client’s chin across the chest.
18. PROCEDURE:
A. Preparation
NURSING ACTION RATIONALE -
PRECAUTIONS
Perform hand hygiene To prevent cross infection
Check label with Medication
Administration Record.
Assure correct medication.
19. Solid preparations (when pt. is
present): For solid floor stock,
pour
correct amount of medication into
the container lid then into the
medicine cup. For unit dose, open
unit dose medication packet and
place in medicine cup.
Do not handle pills or
capsules by
hand. Prevent
contamination of
medicine. Medication
packets are not
opened until Individual is
present.
20. Liquid preparations:
Shake mixtures or suspensions
before pouring (follow instructions
on
bottle). A medication with an
unexpected precipitate or a
change of
color is not to be used.
Some mixtures require
rolling
between hands while
other should be
shaken well. A
medication that does
not appear normal is to
be returned to
the Pharmacy.
Do not mix liquid medications
together
They may cause an
undesirable
interaction such as a
precipitate.
21. When liquid medication is
poured
from the bottle, pour from the
side of
the bottle opposite the label.
This prevents the label from
becoming obscured
Set the medicine cup so that the
mark of the prescribed amount is
at
eye level.
To get an accurate
measurement.
22.
23. When setting up medications that
require the use of a dropper, the
bottom of the meniscus is the
point
to measure.
The meniscus is the bottom of
curve
created by drawing up or pouring
liquid into a container.
Wipe rim of bottle with a paper
towel and replace cap.
To prevent medication buildup on
rim and cap. Make certain towel
is
clean.
24. B. Administration
NURSING ACTION RATIONALE - PRECAUTIONS
Solid preparations provide the
Individual with water unless other
fluids are ordered.
Fluid reduces the friction between the
medication and mucous membrane,
thus allowing the medication to go
down quickly. Fluids help to dissolve
solid drugs.
Liquid preparations: May give
additional fluid with medications
unless contraindicated.
If a medication, such as cough syrup,
is given for its effect on the mucous
membrane of the mouth or upper
respiratory tract, it is not to be diluted
or followed by water.
25. Sub-lingual medication is placed
under the Individual's tongue to
dissolve.
Advise him against chewing or
swallowing the medication and
against drinking until completely
dissolved.
If Individual vomits soon after
administration of medication
attempt
to identify the medication and
notify
physician. Do not re-administer
medication unless ordered to do
so
by a physician.
It is difficult to determine the
exact
amount of medication absorbed.
