4 Nonparenteral Medication Administration Free Online FlashCards

What should be checked before administering a medication?

Verify the prescription, patient identity, allergies, medication, dose, time, and route; assess whether the patient can safely use the route.

What should be assessed when preparing to give an oral medication?

Assess alertness, swallowing ability, nausea or vomiting, and food or fluid restrictions. Position the patient upright when possible and confirm the medication was swallowed.

How should an oral liquid medication be measured?

Measure oral liquids with a calibrated oral syringe or medicine cup, not a household spoon. Read the measurement at eye level.

When may an oral dosage form be altered?

Do not split, crush, chew, or open a dosage form unless product instructions or a pharmacist confirms it is appropriate; altering some forms changes release and safety.

Where do sublingual and buccal medications dissolve?

Sublingual medication dissolves under the tongue; buccal medication dissolves between the cheek and gum. Let either dissolve as directed.

How should medications be administered through an enteral tube?

Verify that each medication and dosage form suits the tube and its location. Give medications separately and flush before, between, and after them according to the care plan and facility guidance.

What hygiene steps support safe topical medication application?

Apply topical medication to the correct site and amount on clean, dry skin as directed. Avoid contaminating the container or applicator, and wash hands afterward.

What precautions matter when applying a transdermal patch?

Remove an old patch before applying a new one, and document the new patch’s location and application time. Do not cut a patch or apply heat unless its instructions permit it.

What is the typical technique for a metered-dose inhaler?

For a typical metered-dose inhaler, exhale, seal the lips around the mouthpiece or spacer, coordinate one actuation with a slow, deep inhalation, and briefly hold the breath if able.

What should a patient do after using an inhaled corticosteroid?

After using an inhaled corticosteroid, rinse the mouth and spit to reduce local side effects.

What technique helps administer an intranasal spray safely?

Position the head as directed, aim the spray away from the nasal septum when instructed, and avoid touching the applicator tip to the nose.

Where should ophthalmic drops be placed?

Place eye drops in the lower-lid pocket, not directly on the cornea, and keep the dropper tip from touching the eye, lashes, or other surfaces.