Methods Of Administering Medication

Injections ( Cont'd.) Types

* 3 Main Types Of Injections - Intramuscular ( into a muscle- Deltoid, Gluteus, Vastus Lateralis) Large doses. 90 degree angle. - Subcutaneous ( Upper outer part of the arm-abdomen. Small doses. 45 degree angle. - Intradermal ( Under the skin) Upper forearm. Commonly for allergy and tuberculin testing. 10-15 degree angle.

First things first!!

* Before Administering any medication, always be sure to know the 6 Rights! -1. Right Patient. -2. Right Medication. -3. Right Dose/amount. -4. Right Route/method. -5. Right Technique. -6. Right a Time/schedule. ** Always check the following at least 3 times, wait and observe any patient reactions and be sure to document in the patients chart.

Drug Routes CONTD...

* Injections ( Parenteral Method) - This method is used when medication needs to be introduced directly into the tissue to be absorbed into the bloodstream. - This method is also used as a fast acting introduction of medication to the blood stream if injected directly into a vein. EX Of Meds: Vaccinations, Epinephrine, Insulin, Antibiotics, and many more!!

Facts

* Most errors occur due to - The wrong patient identification. - The wrong Medication. - The wrong Route. - The wrong Amount.

Drugs Routes

* Oral - Absorbed through the digestive tract. - Medicines come in forms of tablets, capsule, syrups, liquids, sprays. - Some vaccines are Oral ( ex: Polio Vaccine). - Some antibiotics are Oral ( ex: Amoxicillin). ** Other oral route that is not ingested but dissolves in the mouth are Sublingual ( placed under the tongue ex: nitroglycerin and Buccal ( between the gum and the cheek). * Inhalation - These meds are given by inhalation method. - In the form of gases, sprays, fluids, mists. - Most common is form of inhalation is Oxygen. - TOPICAL Used I'm treating diseases of the skin forms are sprays, lotion, creams, ointments Other uses are those such as Transdermal patches ( patches that are applied to the skin: Nitro-Dur, Nicoderm, Pain med ( morphine) patches). * Rectal and Vaginal Routes - Commonly used for suppositories/enemas, solutions or douches-creams.

Outline

- MA Role in Administering Medications. - Proper procedure-checklist for administering medication 6 Rights. - Some interesting facts. *Types of Medication Administration - Oral, Sublingual-Buccal, Inhalation, Topical, Transdermal, Vaginal-Rectal, Injectable. - Injections and Various sites.

Medical Assistant Role

- Medication Inventory. - Proper storage and security of Meds. - Ordering. - Documentation. - Administration. - All of the above must be accounted for every minute of the day to avoid patient injury or in some cases theft.