Medication Administration Overview Quiz

Medication Administration Overview

• Understand the 10 Rights of Medication Administration to ensure safe practices.
• Common medication errors include wrong medication, incorrect dose, allergic reactions, and improper prescription details.

Non-Parenteral Routes

• Oral/Enteral: Administration via mouth; common forms include liquids, capsules, and tablets. Not suitable for patients unable to swallow, have decreased consciousness, or lack a gag reflex.
• Transdermal: Medications delivered via skin patches; the skin site should be clean and dry. Rotate patch sites to prevent irritation and always remove old patches before applying new ones.
• Inhalation: Drugs are atomized and delivered through the respiratory tract. Important to rinse the mouth after steroid use; utilize spacers to prevent thrush.
• Sublingual and Buccal: Sublingual is placed under the tongue; buccal is between the gum and cheek, ensuring fast absorption without eating or drinking until dissolved.
• Suppositories:
  • Rectal: Inserted into the rectum; requires lubricants and should be kept in place for 5 minutes.
  • Vaginal: Administered to women; the insertion is made along the posterior vaginal wall and should remain undisplaced for at least 5 minutes.
• Instillation: Precise techniques for eye, ear, and nasal drops to optimize delivery and absorbance of medication.

Parenteral Routes

• Subcutaneous: Administers medication into the fatty layer; appropriate sites include upper arm, thigh, and abdomen. Rotate injection sites and avoid massages for insulin injections to control absorption rates.
• Intravenous: Direct delivery into the bloodstream via veins. Suitable for irritating medications, and can be administered through large volume, intermittent infusion, or IV push methods. Monitor ionic solutions used.

Venipuncture and Vein Selection

• Choose the venipuncture site based on client’s age, infusion duration, and vein condition. Common sites include arms and hand for adults, and scalp or dorsal foot for infants.
• Utilize distal and non-dominant veins; prefer veins that are soft, full, and natural splinted.

Watchouts in IV Administration

• Infiltration: Occurs when the needle exits the vein; symptoms include swelling and coldness, requiring immediate site disconnection and relocation.
• Extravasation: Irritating fluids escape into tissue, leading to redness and swelling; stop infusion and apply thermal therapy.
• Superficial Thrombophlebitis: Inflammation due to vein overuse; presents with tenderness and slight edema; requires immediate cessation of infusion.
• Air Embolism: Entry of air into the bloodstream; results in low BP and dizziness; position the patient on the left side and notify medical staff immediately.
• Speed Shock: Rapid IV push can result in adverse reactions such as headaches and rapid pulse. Monitor vital signs and adjust infusion rates accordingly.
• Infection: Signs include fever and swelling at the IV site; enforce aseptic technique and routine dressing changes.
• Circulatory Overload: Caused by excessive IV fluid administration, leading to hypertension and dyspnea; monitor infusion rate closely.

Needle and Syringe Selection

• Needle sizes are defined by gauge and length; larger gauge numbers indicate a smaller needle diameter. Ensure selection matches patient needs for effective medication delivery.