Taylor Nursing Chapter 28: Oral Medications Quiz

Study Notes

Unexpected Situations and Associated Interventions

If a patient feels medication is lodged in their throat, offer fluids and potentially bread or crackers to aid swallowing.
For unclear swallowing, check inside the patient's mouth and around the gums; patients with altered mental status may not realize they haven't swallowed.
Monitor patients on suicide precautions for "cheeking" medications, where they hide pills in their mouths instead of swallowing them.
When a patient vomits post-medication, assess the vomit for pill fragments; do not re-administer without consulting a primary care provider (PCP).
For a child refusing medication, consider mixing it with small amounts of food instead of liquids to prevent taste alteration and potential refusal.
If a capsule or tablet falls, discard it to avoid contamination; obtain a new dose instead.
Explore reasons for a patient's medication refusal, educate them, document the incident, and notify the PCP if medication is still not taken.

General Considerations

Liquid medications, especially suspensions, often require shaking for even distribution; familiarize with preparation instructions.
Sublingual medications should be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve fully without swallowing.
Verify correct dissolving liquid for powdered medications; consult with pharmacists for any unclear instructions.
Ongoing assessment is vital for patient response and early detection of adverse effects; notify the PCP if an adverse effect occurs.
Recheck medication orders if a patient questions their dosage or if there are discrepancies in medication appearance.
For patients with swallowing difficulties or altered consciousness, consult the PCP about alternative medication routes.
Provide large-label medication for patients with poor vision, and simplify written information to a 5th-grade reading level.
Crushing medications is not suitable for all types; verify specifics with references and consult pharmacists before alteration.

Infant and Child Considerations

Use oral syringes and calibrated nipples for precise dosing in infants and young children.
Engage children by creative methods such as having a "tea party" or rewarding them with a treat post-medication.
Remove caps from syringes before administration to prevent choking hazards; report any incidents to the FDA.
Use syringes specifically labeled for oral use that do not have caps to enhance safety.

Older Adult Considerations

Older adults may struggle with childproof caps; pharmacists can provide alternatives that are easier to open.
Physiological changes in aging affect medication absorption, response, and increased risk of adverse effects.
Many older adults take multiple medications regularly, increasing the potential for dangerous drug interactions.

Home Care Considerations

Encourage patients to dispose of expired medications safely following instructions or community guidelines.
Discuss safe medication storage practices, especially in homes with children and pets.
Educate parents on the differences between infant and children's medications to prevent dosage errors.
Advise patients to carry a medication list for emergencies, detailing doses and frequencies.
Emphasize the use of appropriate measuring tools for liquid medications to avoid inaccuracies from household utensils.

Description

Test your knowledge on unexpected situations and interventions when administering oral medications in nursing. This quiz covers important considerations to ensure patient safety and effective medication management. Perfect for nursing students looking to enhance their understanding of medication administration.