Pills, Thrills and No Spills
True or false?
If a patient refuses their 7 AM medication and prefers to take it with breakfast, you may leave it in their room for them.
False. All medication must be monitored while the patient is taking it.
What is the word that describes a patient who is pregnant and the medication poses as a risk to the fetus?
A contraindication
What position is the best for rectal suppository administration?
Left side with uppermost leg bent toward waist
Before applying a topical application, what would you assess first?
Assess the wound for color, size, margins, exudate etc.
What are the sterile parts of the syringe?
The needle and the inside of the plunger.
What is the most appropriate container to use if you need 1/4 tsp of liquid medication?
An oral syringe to safely administer 1.25 mL
True or False.
A contraindication is a drug that is safe for all patients except for pregnant patients.
False, contraindications refer to all conditions or factors that make a drug harmful to all patients.
How far should the patient insert a rectal suppository?
One inch beyond rectal orifice, past the internal sphincter.
It is important to note how often transdermal patches are to be replaced. How often are Fentanyl patches to be replaced?
Every 3 days.
What technique should you remember that is essential for safe preparation of parenteral medications and handling of syringes and needles?
Sterile to sterile and unsterile to unsterile.
What is the priority action before giving a liquid preparation to the patient?
Check the medication label against the medication order (verify name, dose, expiration date)
A patient with liver impairment has been prescribed a drug that has a high risk of hepatotoxicity. What action should the nurse take?
Your patient is 1 day post hemorrhoidectomy and has a fever of 102 and vomiting. The doctor orders a tylenol suppository 650mg PR q6h for temp>101. What is your next action?
Withold the drug and notify the physician that you are unable to give suppositories after recent rectal surgery.
What is the most important teaching to give your patient who is on eye medications to treat eye infections or those with increased intraocular pressure?
Medications must be given on time.
When withdrawing medication from an ampule, what is your next action in the preparation of the medication?
Change the filter needle with a new sterile needle for injection.
If a patient cannot swallow a solid-form medication, what priority action should you take first?
Check if the medication is a timed-release or enteric coated.
A patient states that the last time she received the antibiotic you are about to give, she broke out in hives. What would be your next action?
Withold the drug and notify the patient that the patient may have an allergic response to the drug.
After administering a rectal suppository, what education will you give your patient next?
Stay on your side and allow the medication to melt for the next 15-20mins.
When applying Nitroglycerin ointment to your patient, why is it important to remove the old patch?
To prevent tolerance to Nitroglycerin.
What factors are important to consider on choosing the gauge and length of needle for injection? (3 answers)
Size of patient, site of injection, volume of medication to be administered.
Which patients would you anticipate needing ODT tablets instead of oral tablets?
An 85-year-old patient with a history of liver cirrhosis is being discharged home with a new medication that is primarily metabolized by the liver. What teaching should be prioritized for this patient?
Educate about potential signs of liver toxicity (jaundice, confusion, profound fatigue)
How long should a patient wait before using the bathroom to attempt to defecate after administration of an enema?
30 mins
What education would you give your patient about diet to optimize wound healing?
Increase foods high in protein, vitamin A, C and zinc.
This method is used for injectable solutions that cause irritation and staining of the tissues.
Z-track method.