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