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BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE
LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSING PROGRAM
1ST SEMESTER FUNDAMENTALS
SCIENTIFIC BASIS FOR NURSING PRACTICE
CHAPTER 35 - MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION - ORAL MEDICATION
INTRODUCTION
The goal of this unit is to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely
administer oral medications to clients.
OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to:
A.
Theory
1.
Recall the nurse’s legal responsibilities in drug prescription and
administration.
2.
Recall the nature of drug actions.
3.
Recall the factors influencing drug actions.
4.
Recall the oral routes of administration.
5.
State the guidelines for administering drugs through a Nasogastric tube.
6.
Successfully complete a math test.
B.
Laboratory
1.
Correctly calculate a prescribed drug dose.
2.
Verbalize an understanding of correct procedures for administering oral
medications.
3.
Demonstrate in the laboratory correct preparation of oral medications.
ASSIGNMENT
A.
Read Chapter 35- Potter & Perry, pgs. 686 – 734.
B.
Review skills – Administration or oral medications, Adm. Nasal Instillation,
Adm. Ophthalmic Meds, Adm. Vaginal Meds, Adm. Rectal Supp., Using
Metered Dose or Dry Powder Inhaler.
C.
Study Guide for Chapter 35 Critical Thinking Exercise # 3,5 and Review
Questions.
D.
View video on Medication Administration
 Chapter 35 Medication Administration
 Scientific Knowledge Base
 To safely and accurately administer medications you need knowledge related to:
 Pharmacology
 Pharmacokinetics
 Life sciences
 Human anatomy
 Mathematics
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Medication Legislation and Standards
Federal regulations
State and local regulation of medication
Health care institutions and medication laws
Medication regulations and nursing practice
 Pharmacological Concepts
 Drug names:
 Chemical, generic, trade
 Classification
 Medication forms:
 Solid, liquid, other oral forms, topical, parenteral, instillation into body
cavities
Pharmacokinetics
 The study of how medications:
 Enter the body
 Are absorbed and distributed into cells, tissues, or organs
 Alter physiological functions
 Absorption
 The passage of medication molecules into the blood from the site of
administration
 Factors that influence absorption:
 Route of administration
 Ability to dissolve
 Blood flow to site of administration
 Body surface area
 Lipid solubility of medication
Excretion
 Medications are excreted through:
 Kidney
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Liver
Bowel
Lungs
Exocrine glands
 Types of Medication Action
 Medication Interactions
 Occur when one medication modifies the action of another
 A synergistic effect occurs when the combined effect of two medications is
greater than the effect of the medications given separately.
 Medication Dose Responses
 Routes of Administration
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Nursing Knowledge Base
Safe administration is imperative.
Nursing process provides a framework for medication administration.
Clinical calculations must be handled without error.
 Conversions in and between systems
 Dose calculations
 Pediatric and elderly calculations
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Prescriber’s Role
Prescriber can be physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant.
Prescribers must document the diagnosis, condition, or need for each medication.
Orders can be written, verbal, or by telephone.
 Types of Orders in Acute Care Agencies
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Medication Administration
Pharmacist’s role
Distribution system
Nurse’s role
Medication error
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Critical Thinking and Medication Administration
Knowledge
Experience
Attitudes
Standards
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Medication Administration
Oral
Topical
Inhalation
Irrigation
Parenteral
Injections
A.
GUIDELINES FOR GIVING DRUGS THROUGH A
NASOGASTRIC TUBE
1.
administer meds as a liquid
2.
read med labels carefully before crushing a tablet or opening a
capsule
3.
DO NOT crush buccal or sublingual tablets
4.
DO NOT crush enteric-coated or sustained-action meds
5.
Dissolve crushed tabs, powders and soft, gelatin capsules in warm
water
6.
ALWAYS check tube placement before giving any medication
7.
Avoid giving syrups of meds with a PH of less than 4
8.
Do not use pigtail vent for irrigation or instillation of fluid
9.
Do not attempt to give whole or undissolved medications
10.
IRRIGATE the tube before and after all medications is given with
50-150 ml of water
GUIDELINES FOR ORAL MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION
IN the A.M.
1.
Check the Dr. orders with the medication sheets
WHEN IT’S TIME TO GIVE MEDICATIONS
First be prepared:
1. Have any calculations already figured out.
2. Have any recent apical pulse and/or blood pressure measurements
3. Be prepared to answer questions re: side effects, drug actions, special
considerations.
Then ----- get your instructor:
1. Set up the medications you are to give. Remember to check 3 times
( upon removal – before opening the medication – before putting away
the medication).
* Keep the packages intact – have supplies ready
(syringes, alcohol pads, etc.)
* Do not open any meds or pour any liquid medications until instructed to do so
2. Check for your 6 rights
3. Administer the medications only under the supervision of your instructor.