Sublingual medications

Question 1

PPE

Answer 1

Hang hygiene, disposable gloves, clinical waste bag

Question 2

Indications

Answer 2

Administration of
drugs via oral route

Question 3

Contraindications

Answer 3

Decreased
level of consciousness

unable
to swallow safely

Question 4

Cautions

Answer 4

Active vomiting

reduced absorption

Question 5

Confirm medication 5 R’s

Answer 5

Following the 5 Rights of
Medication Administration ensure:

1. Right drug
2. Right dose/presentation
3. Right route
4. Right patient (inc age)
5. Right time

Question 6

Check medication

Answer 6

Expiry date

Integrity of packaging

Clarity of contents (if relevant)

Question 7

Allergies

Answer 7

Confirm patient has no allergies or
previous sensitivities to
medication.

Question 8

Inform patient

Answer 8

Inform patient of medication they
are to receive, including potential
effects.

Obtain consent.

Question 9

Prepare patient

Answer 9

Ideally have the patient sit upright.
Hand medication to them and
observe placing medication in their
own mouth.

Inner cheek - buccal
under tongue - sublingual

Ensure patient does not swallow
and leaves medication in place.

Question 10

Report

Answer 10

Document dose, delivery, time, and
effects of the drug.

Record the batch number and
expiry date.

Monitor the patient for adverse
effects.

Hand over, including therapeutic
benefit/adverse reaction.