Administering Medication via NG Tube

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which gauge needle is recommended for adult intramuscular injections?

19 gauge

27 gauge

25 gauge

21 or 23 gauge (correct)

What is the recommended volume for intramuscular injections in the vastus lateralis and rector femoris sites?

5–10 ml

2–5 ml

1–4 ml (correct)

1–2 ml

Where is the vastus lateralis muscle located?

Side of the leg (correct)

Front of the thigh

Upper arm

Back of the thigh

What is the first step in preparing for an intramuscular injection?

Wash hands and put on gloves Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to confirm the position of the NG tube in the stomach?

Aspirate gastric contents and check pH. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to use a large needle for adult intramuscular injections?

It ensures medication reaches the target muscle layer Signup and view all the answers

How should medications be prepared before administration through an NG tube?

Crush tablets and mix with 15-20 ml of water. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if resistance is felt or the NG tube is blocked?

Check the position of the NG tube by aspiration. Signup and view all the answers

How can the vastus lateralis site be located for an injection?

Measuring a hand's breadth from the knee and hip Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main purposes of using an alcohol wipe before an injection?

To prevent contamination of the injection site Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of flushing the NG tube with water?

To ensure that no drug particles obstruct the tube. Signup and view all the answers

How should the larger syringe be positioned during medication administration?

Slightly above the patient's nose height. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key aspects of aseptic procedure during injections?

Ensuring all equipment is sterile Signup and view all the answers

What should be done after completing the administration of medication through an NG tube?

Flush the tube with 30-50 ml of water. Signup and view all the answers

What is a method to prevent air from entering the patient's stomach during NG tube medication administration?

Fill the larger syringe with water before it empties completely. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the NG tube after administering medications and flushing it?

Reconnect to the feeding pump if required. Signup and view all the answers

What must be done each time a controlled drug is administered in a hospital setting?

It must be documented in a record book specifically for controlled drugs. Signup and view all the answers

How long must the order book and record book for controlled drugs be retained after completion?

2 years Signup and view all the answers

Who generally holds the keys to the locked cupboard storing controlled drugs?

The nurse in charge of the area Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of routine checks of the controlled drug stock?

To make sure the stock matches the record book Signup and view all the answers

What is required in the administration procedure of controlled drugs?

Two people are involved, one of whom must be a registered nurse. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if there is an excess amount of controlled drug prepared for administration?

Dispose of it in the sink. Signup and view all the answers

Which detail must be checked before administering a controlled drug?

The time of the previous dose and patient identity Signup and view all the answers

What is a key component of the security measures for controlled drugs?

The keys must never be left unattended and should be kept by a specific person. Signup and view all the answers

What should be recorded on the prescription sheet after administering medication?

The outcome and any additional observations Signup and view all the answers

What caution should be taken when administering phosphate enemas to elderly patients?

It can result in local tissue trauma Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the administration of ophthalmic medication?

Separate containers should be used to prevent cross-infection. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct procedure for administering drops and ointment to the eye?

Administer drops first, then ointment after several minutes. Signup and view all the answers

How should discharges from the eye be cleared?

Wiping from the inner canthus to the outer edge Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to ensure while applying eye drops to a patient?

Directing drops into the lower eyelid area Signup and view all the answers

Why should dry cotton-wool balls be avoided when clearing the eye?

Fibre may enter the eye and damage the cornea. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common goal in administering eye drops for glaucoma patients?

To safely administer medication. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended direction for Mrs Paur to look while administering eye drops?

Look upwards Signup and view all the answers

How should multiple types of eye medication be administered?

With at least several minutes in between Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to prevent interruption of the application flow while administering ointment?

Avoid touching the eye or eyelid Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred method for applying ointment in the lower eyelid?

Squeeze a continuous length from inner canthus to outer canthus Signup and view all the answers

After effective administration of eye medication, how should Mrs Paur be advised to disperse it?

Blink gently two or three times Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with excess moisture after administering eye drops?

Dry it with tissue or sterile gauze Signup and view all the answers

What might Mrs Paur experience temporarily after the administration of eye medication?

Brief impairment of vision Signup and view all the answers

What should a nurse document after administering eye medication?

Any observations regarding the treated eye Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Administering medication via an NG tube

Ensure the NG tube is properly placed in the stomach by aspirating gastric contents and checking pH.
Clamp the NG tube.
Mix crushed tablets with 15-20 ml of water and draw into a smaller syringe.
Attach a larger luer lock syringe without the piston attachment to the NG tube to act as a funnel.
Hold the syringe slightly above the patient’s nose height to prevent backflow.
Pour medication from the small syringe into the barrel of the larger syringe.
Unclamp the NG tube, raise to speed flow or lower to slow flow.
Add additional fluid to the larger syringe before it empties completely to prevent air from entering the stomach.
Flush the tube with 5-10 ml of water between each drug and 30-50 ml on completion.
Clamp the tube and remove the syringe.
Reconnect to the feeding pump, removing the cap from the administration set.
Position the patient comfortably.
Document the drugs given and record the amount of fluid given on the fluid balance chart.
Wash equipment and dispose of all waste.

Administering Controlled Drugs (CD)

Controlled drugs are ordered by a registered nurse in a duplicated order book.
Both the order book and record book must be retained for two years after completion.
Controlled drugs are stored in a designated secure locked cupboard.
The nurse in charge of the area usually holds the keys, but responsibility may be delegated.
Routine stock checks should be made at regular intervals.
Two people should be involved in the administration of controlled drugs, one of whom must be a registered nurse.
Compare the drug with the prescription sheet, verify the dose and name of the drug.
Check the quantity in the box with the record book and remove the drug from the container.
Check the dose required, route, time, and patient’s identity on the prescription.
Prepare the appropriate amount of drug required, discarding any excess.

Intramuscular (IM) Injections

Use a 2 ml or 5 ml syringe and a 21 (green) or 23 (blue) gauge needle.
Locate the vastus lateralis or rector femoris muscles by measuring a hand's breadth down from the greater trochanter and a hand's breadth up from the knee, identifying the middle third of the muscle as the safe location.
The typical absorption volume is 1-4 ml.

Administering Enemas/Suppositories

Administer suppositories or enemas to patients in a comfortable position.
Ensure the rectum is empty before administering the medication.
Lubricate the suppository before insertion.
Insert the suppository into the rectum and hold it in place for a few minutes.
After the suppository or enema is administered, ensure the patient remains lying down for a period of time.
Record the administration on the prescription sheet and document the outcome.

Ophthalmic Medication

Always use separately labelled drug containers for each eye to prevent cross-infection.
If eye drops and ointment are prescribed, give drops first followed by ointment several minutes later.
Direct medication into the area in the lower eyelid, not onto the cornea.
Work from the inner canthus outwards to edge of eye when applying ointment or swabbing eye.
Tell the patient to look upwards so that the cornea is raised away from the medication delivery site.
Deliver the required number of drops into the lower lid area.
Allow several minutes to elapse between different medications.
Squeeze a length of ointment along the lower lid from the inner canthus to the outer, squeezing out additional ointment as required.
Remove hands and allow the patient to blink gently two or three times to disperse the medication.
Dry excess moisture with tissue or sterile gauze.
Leave the patient in a comfortable position.
Advise the patient that their vision may be briefly impaired.
Wash hands and dispose of all waste.
Document on the prescription sheet.
Record in the nursing notes any observations regarding the state of the treated eye, such as redness, inflammation or amount of discharge.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers the procedure for administering medication through a nasogastric (NG) tube. You'll learn the necessary steps to ensure proper placement, administration, and flushing techniques. Ideal for healthcare professionals and students in nursing or medical fields.