Unit 4 Oral Medication

Question 1

Cardinal Rules of Medication Administration

Answer 1

Always –>Ten-rights; 3 checks
NEVER–> admin a med you did not prepare
YOU are legally liable if you cause harm to a pt from medication you administer

Question 2

Characteristics

Answer 2

Absorbed mainly in the small intestine
Slower onset
Prescription in higher doses than parental route
NEVER direcly touch oral meds

Question 3

Advantages/ Benefits of Oral Medication

Answer 3

Most Common, Least Expensive, Most Convient

Decreased risk for infection (does not break skin barrier)

Question 4

Disadvantages

Answer 4

Unpleasant taste
Irritation of gastric mucosa
Irregular/ slow absorption
Stains teeth

Question 5

Contraindicated (inappropriate) for

Oral Medications

Answer 5

N/V
NPO
Can't Swallow/ Dysphagia 
Unconscious 
Potential for aspiration

Question 6

Alterations in Absorption (po)

Answer 6

food in stomach
Rate of Gastric Emptying
slow gastric empty –> prolongs absorption
increase gastric empt –>decrease absorption

Question 7

Gastric Suctioning

Answer 7

• med withheld/ give by alt. route

- may (w/ order) give this route and hold suction for (20-30 MINS)

Question 8

Changes in the Elderly that affect response

Answer 8

Decreased LIVER & KIDNEY function 
Decreased gastric mobility, acid production, blood flow to GI -->impaired absorption
Decreased Protein Binding Sites
Multiple drugs
Increased Adipose Tissue

Question 9

The decreased number of Protein Binding Sites

Answer 9

Alters the blood-brain barrier–> Fat soluble drugs reach brain –> dizziness and confusion

Question 10

Increased body fat–> decreased total body fluid =

Answer 10

drug toxicity (more easily)

Question 11

Solid Froms of Oral Medications

Answer 11

Tablets
Capsules
Lozenges
Powders

Question 12

Tablets

Answer 12

Powered medications &/or other substances compressed into hard disks

May be scored,crushed –> easier swallowing

Question 13

Coated Tablets

Answer 13

NEVER broken, crushed, chewed
Protects against environment/ Conceals bitter taste
Delays absorption until intestines (Enteric Coated)
Prevents damage to gastric mucosa

Question 14

Chewable Tablets

Answer 14

Contains flavoring, sweeteners
ALWAYS follow with H20 –> dissolve & absorb
Good for pt who can’t swallow intact dose

Question 15

Effervescent Tablets

Answer 15

disintegration in solution
Rapid onset action
Ex: antacids & analgesics

Question 16

Time Released

Answer 16

Released & absorbed gradually (in stages)
Pt take fewer pills per day
Do NOT crush, chew, or break open

Question 17

Capsules

Answer 17

solid dose form of powder, liquid or oil

1+ meds &/or inert substances incased in small shell

Gelatinous material that dissolves in GI tract

Colored to aid in identification

Question 18

Gelatinous Material that dissolves in GI Tract

Answer 18

Capsules

Question 19

Soft Capsules

Answer 19

CAN be opened and mixed with soft foods

Make sure pt gets COMPLETE Dose

Question 20

Hard Capsules

Answer 20

Contain Drugs that irritate mouth & esophagus

NEVER break/ open

Question 21

Sustained Release

Answer 21

SR in name
NEVER break/ open
Gradual release of drug over time

Question 22

Lozenges or Troche:

Answer 22

Designed to be placed in mouth
Flat, round dosage from containing drug
Flavored sugar and mucilage

Question 23

Powders

Answer 23

Mixed in Liquids
Come in large quantities/dispensed per dose ordered
Mix in 15ml to aid absorption

Question 24

Types of Liquids

Answer 24

Syrups
Solution
Suspensions
Elixirs
Tinctures

Question 25

Syrups

Answer 25

``` Sugar, water, + flavor NOT FOR DIABETICS 1* children and adults with dysphagia Soothes irritated mucus membrane Usually ordered by the teaspoon (1tsp=5ml) ```

Question 26

Solutions

Answer 26

Given orally, parentally, or externally | Must Be STERILE if given parentally

Question 27

Suspensions

Answer 27

liquid and solid mixture in which solid particles are not dissolved; particles will settle out

Question 28

Types of Suspensions

Answer 28

Magmas Gels Emulsions

Question 29

Magmas

Answer 29

Thick, milky | Type of Suspension

Question 30

Gels

Answer 30

Small suspended particles | Type of Suspension

Question 31

Emulsions

Answer 31

mixture of oil & water with agents that keep droplets suspended SPECIAL CARE TO PREVENT ASPIRATION Type of Suspensions

Question 32

Elixirs

Answer 32

Med dissolved in ALCOHOL and WATER, &/or sweetener CAUTION: NOT FOR Alcoholic May dilute with small amount of H20

Question 33

Tinctures

Answer 33

More potent Elixir | Oral or Topical

Question 34

Sublingual Oral Medication

Answer 34

Under Tongue Dissolved/ ABSORBED via MUCOUS MEMBRANE IMMEDIATE absorption by surrounding blood supply NOT CHEWED OR SWALLOWED

Question 35

Buccal Medication

Answer 35

``` Between cheek & gum or under upper lip Dissolved/ absorb. via MUCOUS MEMBRANE IMMEDIATE absorption by surrounding bld supply Local/ systemic action Not often used ```

Question 36

Purpose of Administering Oral Medication

Answer 36

Provide Medicine that has systemic/ local effect on G.I. TRACT

Question 37

Assessments for Administering Oral Medication

Answer 37

1. Allergies 2. Ability to Swallow 3. Vomiting & Diarrhea 4. Specific Drug Actions ( Side effects, interactions, adverse reactions) 5. Pt's Knowledge 6. Lab values, vital signs specific to medication

Question 38

3 checks

Answer 38

1. when removed from drawer 2. pouring into med cup 3. at bedside *LOCK MED CART-- DO NOT LEAVE UNLOCKED*

Question 39

Administering Tablets

Answer 39

Place into Med Cup DO NOT remove from wrapper until at bedside If stock med, place correct dose in cup **Keep Narcotics, meds that require v/s separate If difficulty swallowing, crush/ mix pill with soft food

Question 40

Preparing Liquids

Answer 40

``` Mix Med Lay Cap up to prevent contamination Measure prescribed dose Pour from UNLABELED SIDE of bottle At EYE LEVEL-- BOTTOM of Meniscus Rx Syringe Set on flat surface to check accuracy --> pour excess out --NOT BACK INTO BOTTLE DO NOT leave pour med unattended NEVER USE DROPER FROM ANOTHER MED ```