Routes of Administration
What is the most common route of administration?
Oral.
Which organization regulates medication laws in the U.S.?
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
What are the Six Rights of medication administration?
Right medication, right dose, right patient, right route, right time, and right documentation.
What is a therapeutic effect?
The desired outcome of a medication.
What are nurses responsible for in medication administration?
Safe preparation, administration, and evaluation of medication effects.
How are pediatric medication dosages often calculated?
Based on weight or body surface area.
Name one parenteral route of administration.?
Intradermal (ID), subcutaneous, intramuscular (IM), or intravenous (IV).
What does the Pure Food and Drug Act ensure?
That medications are free of impure products.
How many patient identifiers should be used before giving medication?
Two
What are adverse effects?
Unwanted, often unpredictable responses to a medication.
Why is patient education important?
To ensure adherence and understanding of side effects.
Why might older adults require medication dose adjustments?
Altered drug metabolism.
Where is a buccal medication administered?
Between the cheek and gum.
What is the purpose of the MedWatch program?
To report adverse medication events.
When should medication administration documentation be completed?
Immediately after the medication is given.
What is a toxic effect, and what causes it?
Harmful effects from prolonged use or medication accumulation.
What is one way nurses can help patients adhere to their medication regimen?
By providing clear instructions and education about the medications.
Name one factor that requires careful monitoring in older adults taking medications?
Risk of adverse effects due to slower metabolism or excretion.
Name one topical route of administration?
Applied to the skin
What is a Nurse Practice Act (NPA)?
A state law defining the scope of nursing practice regarding medication administration.
What is the most common error in medication administration?
Incorrect dosage.
What are idiosyncratic reactions?
Unusual or unexpected responses to a medication.
What must a nurse always evaluate after administering medication?
The effects of the medication on the patient.
What should a nurse ensure when administering medications to children?
Proper dosage calculation and clear explanations.
For which conditions are medications administered via inhalation?
Respiratory conditions.
True or False: State laws can impose stricter medication regulations than federal laws.
True.
What is medication reconciliation, and why is it important?
A process of verifying medications during patient transitions to prevent errors.
What happens during a synergistic effect?
Two medications combined have a greater effect than when given separately.
How does a nurse ensure medication safety?
By understanding pharmacokinetics, legal aspects, and patient-specific factors.
How can nurses prevent medication errors in pediatric or geriatric patients?
By double-checking calculations and monitoring closely for adverse effects.