Chapter 38

needle hub

-Is the end point, which attaches to the syringe

ID syringe

1mL

IM needle gauge

22-25 gauge

Subcut Needle size

25 gauge; 1/2 inch for 90 degree and 5/8 inch for 45 degree

ID needle size

25-27 gauge, 1/4 to 5/8 inch

IM syringe

3 mL

Subcut syringe

3 mL is most common but 1 mL can be used

ID angle

5-15 degrees

IM needle length

5/8" to 1 1/2"

reconstituted

A dried up substance (powder) that has been restored to a fluid form, so it can be injected

Diluent

A liquid substance that diluted it lessens the strength of a solution or mixture

scored tablet

A notched tablet which can be split in half with a pull cutter

Ampule

A small sealed glass container that holds a single dose of medication.

buffered

A solid medication containing the active medication and an antacid.

syrup

A sugar and water solution that contains flavoring and medical substances. Ex: cough syrup

aerosol

A suspension of medication in a gas, usually used for respiratory or sinus conditions. Ex: albuterol metered dose inhaler

Emulsion

A suspension of oil and water. Ex: ophthalmic cyclosporine

liniment

A suspension that is rubbed on the skin to reduce pain and stiffness. Ex: ben-gay

wheel

A tense, pale elevation of the skin

lotion

A water based suspension that is applied to the skin. Ex: calamine

suppository

Active medication mixed in an oil base; solid at room temp but then melts at body temp; small torpedo shaped

parenteral route

Administered by infusion, injection, or implantation

local

Affecting the area where applied

systemic

Affecting the entire body

fluid extract

Alcoholic plant source extraction; very concentrated and more potent than tincture. Ex: belladonna

Fast-dissolving tablets or film strips

Also called oral disintegrating tablets; solid form of med that is placed on the tongue and breaks down rapidly in saliva

spirit

An alcoholic solution with substances that easily evaporate. Ex: aromatic ammonia

elixir

Clear sweetened liquid preparation that contains alcohol. Ex: digoxin

Enteric-coated tablets or capsules

Coated to pass through the acidic environment of the stomach, breaks down in the base environment of the intestines. Do not crush, cut, or chee

Caplet

Coated, oval medication tablet

Effervescent tablets

Contains an acid substance and carbonate or bicarbonate. When placed in water, it releases carbon dioxide, creating a pleasant tasting carbonated drink

extended release tablets or capsule

Designed to break down over time, do not crush, cut, or chew

Suspensions

Emulsion, gel and magma, liniment, lotion, aerosol

lozenge

Flat, round form containing active medication and a sweetened flavor; dissolves on tongue

Needle gauge

Indicates the size of the needle lumen, the higher the number, the smaller the lumen

Chewable tablets

Intended to be chewed before swallowing (e.g. chewable vitamins)

capsule

Medication in a hard or soft gelatin shell

trade name/brand name

Name that is registered by the manufacturer and is followed by the trademark symbol; the name can be used only by the manufacturer

powder

Nonpotent powdered med that must be mixed with a liquid before it can be taken. Example: MiraLax

Inactivated vaccines

Pathogen has been completely killed. Frequently requires boosters. Examples: diphtheria and tetanus

form

Physical characteristics of a medication (tablet, suspension)

Inserting a suppository

Place patient in sims position, lubricate pointed end, gently instead pointed end 3-4 inches for adults, and 2 inches for children

Transdermal route

Placed in the skin and absorbed into the bloodstream

ID administration

Pull skin taut at injection site

induration

Raised, hardened area

Active safety needle

Requires the healthcare professional to activate the safety device

Rules of Medication Administration

Right medication, dose, route, time, patient, education, to refuse, technique

cream

Semisolid drug preparation made of active medication, oil, and water

Ointment or paste

Semisolid, greasy drug preparations that are applied to the skin, rectum, or nasal mucosa.

Z-track technique

Skin is pulled laterally, the injection is given, and as the needle is withdrawn the skin is released; used to reduce pain and discomfort

tablet

Solid form of medication formed by compressed powder medication; may be coated

precipitate

Solid particles that settle out of a liquid

Gel and Magmas

Suspensions consisting of mineral and water; shake before using. Ex: milk of magnesia

route

The means by which a drug enters the body

passive safety needle

The needle is automatically covered after the injection

Solutions

Tincture, fluid extract, spirit, elixir, syrup

aspirate

To withdraw fluid using suction

Subcutaneous sites

Upper lateral arm, anterior thigh, and abdomen.

tincture

Very potent solution if alcohol or alcohol and water and the active med. ex: iodine

aspiration

When giving IM, pull back on plunger to make sure you're not in a blood vessel

needle hilt

Where the needle attaches

Live virus vaccine

a vaccine created by reducing the virulence of a pathogen, but still keeping it viable (or "live") examples: MMR, varicella, zoster, yellow fever

air lock technique

adding 0.2 mL of air in the syringe behind solution so it can be injected last

subcutaneous (subcut)

beneath the skin

Mixing Insulin

clear (regular) before cloudy (HPN)

IM sites

deltoid, ventrogluteal, vastus lateralis

Medications that cannot be crushed

enteric-coated tablets, slow- or extended-release forms, sublingual/buccal forms.

Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)

federal requirement that provides valuable info for each vaccine

generic name

name assigned by the manufacturer who first develops a drug; it is often derived from the chemical name

Viscosity

resistance to flow; the thicker the liquid, the higher the viscosity

canthus

the angular junction of the eyelids at either corner of the eye

pessary

vaginal suppository

Intramuscular (IM)

within the muscle

Intradermal (ID)

within the skin