Oral Medications and Administration Rights

Giving Oral Medications

• Oral medications are administered by mouth.
• Crucial aspects of oral medication administration include understanding medication types, proper administration techniques, and safety precautions.

10 Rights of Medication Administration

• Right patient
• Right medication
• Right dose
• Right time
• Right route
• Right education (patient education on medication)
• Right documentation (recording medication administration)
• Right to refuse (patient's right to decline medication)
• Right assessment (assessing patient before, during and after medication administration)
• Right evaluation (evaluating medication effectiveness)

Principles of Medication Administration

• Communicate with the patient and answer questions before administering medication.
• Ensure patient involvement in the process.
• Prioritize patient privacy.
• Focus completely on administering medication.
• Administer medications in a quiet area, free of distractions.
• Never leave medications unattended.
• Always wash hands before and after medication administration.

Common Types of Oral Medications

• Tablets (solid medication forms)
• Capsules (medication enclosed in gelatin)
• Liquid medications (syrups, suspensions, solutions)
• Orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) – dissolve in the mouth

Proper Administration Technique

• Carefully read the medication label.
• Wash hands and wear gloves if necessary.
• Ensure patient comfort by placing them in a comfortable position.
• Administer the medication with water or as directed by the prescription.

Pharmacology Terms

• o.d.: on daily
• b.d.: two times per day
• p.r.n.: when necessary
• t.d.s.: three times per day
• q.i.d.: four times per day
• e.o.d.: every other day
• Mocte: on morning
• Nocte: on night
• Stat: immediately
• Single dose: one dose only
• 1/1: one tablet
• 1/2: half tablet
• II/II: two tablets
• s/l: sublingual

Potential Challenges and Solutions

• Difficulty swallowing: Crush tablets or open capsules and mix with food or liquid
• Child resistance: Use pill crushers or ask for an alternative form
• Unpleasant taste: Offer a flavored drink or flavored medication

Monitoring for Effectiveness

• Observe for symptom improvement.
• Monitor for side effects and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
• Follow up with the patient to ensure compliance and address concerns.

Methods of Drug Administration (Oral and Sublingual)

• Oral: taking medication by mouth
• Sublingual: placing medication under the tongue

Essential Parts of A Drug Order

• Full name of the patient
• Date and time the order was written
• Name of the drug
• Dosage of the drug
• Frequency of administration
• Route of administration
• Signature/name of the person writing the order

Safety Precautions

• Storage: Keep medications in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children and pets.
• Labeling: Clearly label medications with name, dosage, and expiration date.
• Education: Provide clear instructions on dosage and potential side effects.

Look-Alike and Sound-Alike Drugs

• Be aware of medication that look or sound similar.

Responsibilities in Drug Administration

• Check the physician's order, diagnosis and patient's age.
• Verify the purpose of the medication.
• Double-check with another person regarding the medication to ensure accuracy of the order.
• Review for any contraindications to the medication.
• Explain the medication procedure to the patient.
• Ensure the patient is in a comfortable position and assist if necessary

Conclusion

• Mastering techniques and safety precautions enables confident administration of oral medications, contributing to patient well-being.