Rectal Medications
A safety stop to perform prior to administering medications
What are the 6 rights of medication administration
This assessment must be done prior to oral medication administration
What is the ability to swallow
Topical medications primarily have this type of effect.
What is a local effect?
Eye drops are placed into this structure.
What is the conjunctival sac?
These guide safe medication administration for all routes.
What are the 6 Rights of medication administration?
Rectal medications may have this type of effect, depending on the drug.
What is local or systemic effect?
This type of medication should not be crushed or chewed
What is an extended release or enteric coated medication
This safety step is required when applying topical medications.
What is wearing gloves?
The nurse pulls the pinna in this direction for adult ear drops.
What is up and back?
If one right cannot be verified, the nurse should do this.
What is stop and clarify?
A common rectal medication used to soften stool or promote bowel movement
What is a suppository or laxative
The nurse places an oral tablet in this area to reduce choking risk
What is the back of the tongue with water
A key difference between topical medications and patches.
What is local versus systemic absorption?
Gentle pressure applied here helps distribute ear drops.
What is the tragus?
A major cause of medication errors during administration.
What are interruptions or distractions?
One reason rectal medications may be preferred over oral medications
What is avoiding GI upset?
A reason oral medications may be held
What is nausea, vomiting, or altered level of consciousness
The nurse’s first action when applying a new transdermal patch
What is removing the old patch?
A safety step before administering eye or ear medications.
What is verifying the correct eye or ear?
Technology supports safety, but this remains the nurse’s responsibility.
What is critical thinking and verification?
How long should a client lay after insertion of a rectal medication
What is 5-10 minutes
Before administering an oral medication, the nurse notes the client is drowsy and coughing when given sips of water. What is the nurse’s best action?
What is hold the medication and notify the instructor or provider?
Why should heat sources be avoided over a transdermal medication patch?
What is increased absorption and risk of toxicity?
When multiple eye medications are prescribed, how long should the nurse wait between instilling each medication?
What is at least 5 minutes?
A medication error is prevented when the nurse stops administration because a right cannot be verified. This action best demonstrates what principle?
What is client safety and professional accountability?