Calculating Oral Medication Doses - Ch. 9

enteral medication administration

(enteral nutrition) administration of medication or nutrition into the GI tract. "enteral" indicates that the medication or nutrition will pass through the digestive process of the GI tract

key points for administering powdered medications

1. the instructions for mixing the powdered medication and the dosage strength 2. proper storage of the reconstituted medication 3. labeling the oral medication bottle after reconstitution

meniscus level

because liquids tend to curve at the edges of certain containers, it is important to read the liquid measurement at the horizontal center of the liquid and not from the outer edges of the cup

before medication administration

check for allergies wash hands check for time- etc.

tablets

contain the drugs active ingredient in a compressed form and come in a variety of shapes and sizes

medicine cup

container to hold solid oral meds such as tablets, capsules, etc. measuring device calibrated in various measuring units. most commonly used units to measure volume: milliliters (mL), teaspoon (tsp), tablespoon (Tbs), fluid ounce (fl oz)

syrup (medicine)

contains the drug in a viscous liquid preparation consisting largely of purified water and sucrose or a sugar substitute for a more pleasant taste

time-release medication abbreviations

controlled-release (CR) continuous-release (Contin) extended-release (ER, XR, or XL) sustained-released (SR) sustained-action (SA) time-release (TR)

capsules

have a gelatin-like covering that holds the powdered form of the drug. softgel capsules are a variation of the capsule used specifically for liquid or oil-based drug ingredients. some may contain tiny beads or pellets that are dissolving and released over time allowing the drug's active ingredients to enter the bloodstream at a slower and steadier rate. should be administered whole and should not be crushed or chewed.

scored tablets

have indented lines. may be broken along the indented line. each part of the tablet will contain an equal amount of the the active ingredient of the drug

labeling after reconstitution

includes the following information: 1. the date the medication was reconstituted 2. the time the medication was reconstituted 3. the initials of the nurse

reconstitution

involves mixing the powder (medication) with a liquid so that the powdered medication can be administered. typically use tap or distilled water. must follow the labels instructions

interpreting oral liquid medication orders

liquid medications can be ordered by a specific dose or by the amount to be administered. when a specific dose id ordered, the nurse uses the dose strength listed on the drug label to determine the amount of medication to give

suspension

liquid that contains small particles of the drug that cannot be dissolved. the particles will settle to the bottom if left standing for a period of time, so they must be shaken before administration

oral syringe

measuring device, available in various sizes, ranging from 3 mL to 10 mL capacity. tip of syringe designed for ease in the administration of oral meds.

cylindrical dosing spoon

measuring device, calibration lines measure from 1 mL to 10 mL of medication. also includes the equivalent household measurement for teaspoon (tsp). designed with a spoon end shape for ease in the administration of oral medication

measuring devices for administration of oral meds.

medicine cup, oral syringe, cylindrical dosing spoon, and calibrated dropper

elixir

mixture of a drug mixed with water, alcohol, and flavored substances

storage after reconstitution

need to identify the storage information specific for the reconstituted drug and not the storage on the powdered form. this will help to ensure the physical, chemical, and therapeutic properties of the drug are maintained.

enteral route abbreviations

oral (PO) sublingual (SL) buccal (buc) nasogastric (NG) gastrostomy (GT, PEG) rectal (PR)

powdered medications

require special preparation prior to administering the ordered dose to the patient

calibrated dropper

size varies. may measure from 1 mL to 5 mL of medication. designed to facilitate the administration of oral medications, especially useful for children

enteric coating (EC)

special covering on the tablet that allows the tablet to be dissolved and absorbed in a particular place in the GI tract. these tablets should not be crushed or broken

caplet

tablet that is small and has a smooth covering that makes it easier to swallow