Oral medication

Question 1

PPE

Answer 1

Hand hygiene, disposable gloves

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 indications

Answer 5

Using JRCALC or PGD confirm
medication:
Indications
Contraindications
Cautions
Side effects

Question 6

Confirm medication 5 R’s

Answer 6

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 7

Check medication

Answer 7

Expiry date

Integrity of packaging

Clarity of contents (if relevant)

Question 8

Allergies

Answer 8

Confirm patient has no allergies or
previous sensitivities to
medication

Question 9

Inform patient

Answer 9

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

Obtain consent.

Question 10

Prepare patient

Answer 10

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

Provide enough water to allow
drug to be swallowed

It is acceptable to place the tablet
into the patient’s mouth and
provide a small sip of water

Question 11

Report

Answer 11

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.