Alternate Routes of Med Admin

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Questions and Answers

Which technique should be used to reduce infection risk during vaginal medication administration?

Rinse the vaginal area with water after insertion.

Administer medications while the patient is standing.

Apply cream directly to the vaginal area without gloves.

Use a lubricated gloved finger to insert the suppository. (correct)

What is the purpose of administering vaginal medications before bedtime?

To allow for better absorption in an upright position.

To keep the medication from flowing out by lying flat. (correct)

To reduce the need for a peri pad.

To ensure that the patient can walk around freely.

What is an appropriate patient position for vaginal medication administration?

Standing with legs spread.

Sims or dorsal-recumbent position. (correct)

Sitting upright in a chair.

Prone position.

How should cream or foam be administered into the vagina?

By inserting the applicator 2-4 inches into the vagina. Signup and view all the answers

What common misconception about vaginal suppositories might a patient have?

They should be inserted only during the day. Signup and view all the answers

What should caregivers be educated about regarding older adult patients who cannot instill medications independently?

They should be aware of safe and correct medication administration techniques. Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended action after inserting a vaginal suppository?

Remain flat for 5 to 10 minutes, or lie down. Signup and view all the answers

In which situation is it essential to educate about infection control techniques?

During self-administration of vaginal medications. Signup and view all the answers

Which position should a patient be in when administering ear medication to facilitate fluid drainage?

Supine with head turned toward the affected ear Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable caution when using over-the-counter nasal decongestants?

Overuse can lead to increased nasal congestion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred position when administering nasal drops?

On the back with a pillow under the shoulders Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment should be carried out before inhalation therapy using nebulized medications?

Assess heart rate and oxygen saturation Signup and view all the answers

What technique should be employed during metered-dose inhaler (MDI) use to ensure effective medication delivery?

Shake the inhaler vigorously before use Signup and view all the answers

How long should a patient hold their breath after inhaling from a metered-dose inhaler?

10 seconds Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a method of administering nasal sprays effectively?

Hold the dropper just above the nostril and breathe through the mouth Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a MDI is to be repeated after initial administration?

Wait 1-2 minutes before repeating Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a spacer with an inhaler?

To allow medication to be released before inhalation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a local effect of nasal medication?

Headaches Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of wearing gloves during medication administration?

To protect the healthcare worker from exposure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following positions is NOT typically recommended for administering ear medication?

Lying flat on the back Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of focused assessment in medication administration?

To evaluate the patient's condition related to medication effects Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following abbreviations indicates that medication should be given immediately?

stat Signup and view all the answers

When administering ophthalmic medications, what is a critical step to ensure effectiveness?

Placing the drop in the outer canthus of the eye Signup and view all the answers

What should be done before applying a transdermal patch?

Clean the area and remove the old patch Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the six rights of medication administration?

Right time Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment is essential before administering topical medications?

Evaluating the skin condition of the area where medication will be applied Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following abbreviations should NOT be used when prescribing medications?

U Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration when positioning a patient for medication administration?

Certain medications require specific positions for optimal absorption Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended order for administering two medications when one is a Bronchodilator?

Give the Bronchodilator before the other medication. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to give a Bronchodilator prior to other medications?

It enhances the effectiveness of the subsequent medications. Signup and view all the answers

What might occur if the Bronchodilator is not administered first?

The other medication may cause airway constriction. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the administration of Bronchodilators and other medications?

Bronchodilators should always precede other medications to improve outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What is one possible consequence of administering medications in the wrong order?

Potential risk of airway obstruction and reduced medication effectiveness. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Medication Safety Checks

Six rights and three checks: right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, right time, right documentation
Safety checks are compared to the MAR (medication administration record)
Three checks: first five rights are checked at preparation, second check at preparation area, final check at bedside

Administration Guidelines

Use military time: 0000 - 12:00 AM, 0600 - 6:00 AM, 1500 - 3:00 PM, 2200 - 10:00 PM
Remove gloves after administration
Dispose of equipment safely
Wash hands
Document on MAR: site of application, patient's response

Topical Medications

Applied to skin, tissue, or mucous membranes
Assess skin for: circulation, drainage, color, scars, rashes, temperature, altered skin integrity
Topical medications come in various forms: powder, ointment, cream, lotion, transdermal patch
Cleanse the area thoroughly before application
Wear gloves to protect oneself from medication effects
Use sterile technique when an open wound is present

Ear Medications

Instill medications into the ear canal
Head positioned with affected ear up
Straighten the ear canal
Insert tip of syringe into the auditory meatus

Nasal Medications

Indications for use: astringent effect, loosen secretions, facilitate drainage, treat infections
Over the counter nasal decongestants should be used cautiously due to rebound effect
Position: comfortable position, upright for sprays, back with pillow under shoulders for drops
Local effects: burning, tingling, dripping into throat
Ask patient to breathe through their mouth
Hold dropper above nostril and direct solution into opening
Remain on back for at least 5 minutes
Reassess patient after 15-30 minutes

Nebulized Medications

Non-pressurized aerosol (NPA): solid or liquid particles suspended in a gas that is distributed as a cloud or mist
Deliver respiratory medications quickly and directly into the airways
Available to the body within minutes
Assess patient before and after inhalation therapy: respirations, breath sounds, heart rate, oxygen saturation

Inhalers

Hand-held inhaler/dry powder inhaler (DPI): delivers medication in the form of dry powder
Metered-dose inhaler (MDI): delivers a specific amount of medication in aerosol form
Inhaler position: upright
Exhale completely before inhaling
Place lips tightly around mouthpiece
Breathe slowly and deeply for 2-3 seconds
Hold breath as long as comfortable
Repeat

Vaginal Medications

Instilled into vagina
Forms: suppository, cream, jelly, foam
Irrigation (douche): washes vagina with liquid at low pressure
Instillation: medications instilled into vagina to relieve infection, discomfort, itching, pain
Position: dorsal-recumbent or Sims' position
Lubricate suppositories before insertion
Insert 2-4 inches with lubricated gloved finger or applicator
Insert applicator 2-4 inches for cream or foam
Remain flat for 5-10 minutes after insertion
May need to apply a peri-pad

Older Adults and Topical Medications

Many older adults can instill these medications independently.
If they cannot, teach family members or caregivers how to administer safely and correctly.

Infection Control in Vaginal Medication Administration

Hand hygiene is crucial to minimize infection risk.

Timing for Vaginal Medication Administration

Before bedtime is recommended to maximize medication absorption and minimize leakage.

Patient Positioning for Vaginal Medication Administration

Lithotomy position with knees bent and feet flat on the bed facilitates proper administration.

Administration of Vaginal Cream or Foam

Use an applicator to deposit the cream or foam into the vagina.

Common Misconception About Vaginal Suppositories

Patients might believe they must lie flat for an extended period after inserting a suppository.

Caregiver Education for Older Adults

If older adults cannot administer medications independently, caregivers should be trained in proper medication administration techniques.

Action After Inserting a Vaginal Suppository

It is recommended to remain lying down for at least 15 minutes after insertion.

Essential Education for Infection Control

Teaching proper hand hygiene is crucial for patients receiving vaginal medications.

Patient Position for Ear Medication Administration

Side-lying position with the affected ear facing upwards promotes fluid drainage.

Notable Caution With Over-the-Counter Nasal Decongestants

Prolonged use can lead to rebound congestion.

Preferred Position for Administering Nasal Drops

Head tilted back allows the drops to reach the nasal mucosa effectively.

Assessment Before Inhalation Therapy

Assess respiratory rate, effort, and oxygen saturation to gauge the need for the medication.

Ensuring Effective Medication Delivery With a Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI)

Use a spacer to improve medication delivery and reduce side effects.

Holding Breath After Inhaling From an MDI

Hold breath for 10 seconds to enhance medication absorption in the lungs.

Effective Administration of Nasal Sprays

Tilt the head slightly forward while spraying to target the nasal passages effectively.

Repeating MDI Administration

Wait 1-2 minutes before administering a second dose.

Purpose of a Spacer With an Inhaler

Spacers help reduce the deposition of medication in the mouth and throat, increasing lung delivery.

Local Effects of Nasal Medication

Systemic effects are possible, especially with prolonged use.

Purpose of Wearing Gloves During Medication Administration

Wearing gloves is a universal safety precaution to prevent the spread of germs and protect healthcare workers.

Recommended Positions for Administering Ear Medication

Supine position with the affected ear facing upwards is generally recommended

Focused Assessment in Medication Administration

Assess patient history, allergies, and current medications before administering medication.

Abbreviation Indicating Immediate Medication Administration

STAT

Critical Step for Ophthalmic Medication Effectiveness

Ensure proper instillation technique to maximize medication absorption.

Action Before Applying a Transdermal Patch

Clean and dry the application site to ensure proper adhesion.

One of the Six Rights of Medication Administration

Right route

Essential Assessment Before Administering Topical Medications

Assess the skin condition and integrity of the application site.

Abbreviation NOT to Use When Prescribing Medications

Patient Positioning for Medication Administration

Comfort and safety are essential considerations when positioning a patient.

Order of Administration for Bronchodilator and Another Medication

Administer the bronchodilator first, followed by the other medication.

Rationale for Administering Bronchodilator Before Other Medications

Bronchodilators open the airways, facilitating the delivery and effectiveness of other medications.

Possible Consequence of Not Administering the Bronchodilator First

Other medications may be less effective or trapped in the constricted airways.

True Statement Regarding Administration of Bronchodilators and Other Medications

Patients should hold their breath for 10 seconds after inhaling a bronchodilator to ensure proper medication delivery.

Possible Consequence of Administering Medications in the Wrong Order

Reduced effectiveness of the medications or adverse reactions may occur.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the essential safety checks and guidelines for administering medications. It covers important protocols such as the six rights and three checks, military time usage, and best practices for topical medication application. Test your understanding of these vital nursing practices!