Drug Routes
DRUG ROUTES
(1) ORAL
ADVANTAGE: It is both the least expensive and generally the least offensive form of medication. They can come in a variety of forms – fast/slow release, capsules or coated. Oral medication is convenient, painless & easy to take.
DISADVANTAGE: Oral medication can have a slower rate of absorption due to the time required to digest and absorb them. Some patients may have difficulty swallowing or unconscious. Oral medication can be affected by food in the gastrointestinal tract or by the motility of the gastrointestinal tract (Tollefson, J, Bishop, T, Jelly, E, Watson, G & Tambree, K, 2012, page 105).
MEDICATION EXAMPLE: Amoxycillin sodium
NURSING ACTION REQIRED: * Perform hand hygiene. * Communicate and explain to client. * Verify client identification. * Check and report any changes in the clients condition. * Check medication sheet for route & timed medication is given, medical officers signature, start/finish dates and when medication was last administered. * Read the label 3 times and check it against the medical officers written order (when taken from storage, prior to dispensing and on return to storage). * Check label for expiry date and any cautionary attachments. * Using a non touch technique, prepare the dose. * Assist client into a sitting position. * Administer medication and offer a glass of water. Encourage client to sip. * Remain with client until medication is swallowed. * Communicate any special instructions. * Record drug administered onto the medication record. * Report immediately if client refused medication or unable to swallow whole tablet/capsule.
(Koutoukidis, G, Stainton, K & Hughson, J, 2013, page446-447).
(2) SUBLINGUAL
ADVANTAGE: No interference from gastric juices and not detoxified by the liver. They are absorbed rapidly due to the good blood supply under the tongue.
DISADVANTAGE: Holding the medication in
(1) ORAL
ADVANTAGE: It is both the least expensive and generally the least offensive form of medication. They can come in a variety of forms – fast/slow release, capsules or coated. Oral medication is convenient, painless & easy to take.
DISADVANTAGE: Oral medication can have a slower rate of absorption due to the time required to digest and absorb them. Some patients may have difficulty swallowing or unconscious. Oral medication can be affected by food in the gastrointestinal tract or by the motility of the gastrointestinal tract (Tollefson, J, Bishop, T, Jelly, E, Watson, G & Tambree, K, 2012, page 105).
MEDICATION EXAMPLE: Amoxycillin sodium
NURSING ACTION REQIRED: * Perform hand hygiene. * Communicate and explain to client. * Verify client identification. * Check and report any changes in the clients condition. * Check medication sheet for route & timed medication is given, medical officers signature, start/finish dates and when medication was last administered. * Read the label 3 times and check it against the medical officers written order (when taken from storage, prior to dispensing and on return to storage). * Check label for expiry date and any cautionary attachments. * Using a non touch technique, prepare the dose. * Assist client into a sitting position. * Administer medication and offer a glass of water. Encourage client to sip. * Remain with client until medication is swallowed. * Communicate any special instructions. * Record drug administered onto the medication record. * Report immediately if client refused medication or unable to swallow whole tablet/capsule.
(Koutoukidis, G, Stainton, K & Hughson, J, 2013, page446-447).
(2) SUBLINGUAL
ADVANTAGE: No interference from gastric juices and not detoxified by the liver. They are absorbed rapidly due to the good blood supply under the tongue.
DISADVANTAGE: Holding the medication in