NUR211 Exam Oral and Topical Medication – Flashcards
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What should the nurse instruct her patient to do when she or he is administering a buccal medication? a. Hold the medication under the tongue. b. Swallow the medication after 30 seconds. c. Chew the medication before swallowing. d. Hold the medication against the cheek membranes.
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ANS: D Buccal medication is placed between the upper or lower molar teeth and the cheek area and is allowed to dissolve. The sublingual route is used to administer medication under the tongue. Medication is dissolved rather than swallowed using the buccal route. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Text Reference: Page 529 OBJ: Correctly administer a medication by oral, nasogastric or other enteral tube, skin (topical), ophthalmic, otic, nasal, inhaled, vaginal, and rectal routes. TOP: Buccal Medication KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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Which of the following is the most critical to assess before medication administration? a. Diet history b. Allergy history c. Surgical history d. Drug tolerance
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ANS: B Drug allergies should be listed on each page of the MAR, prominently displayed on the patient's medical record, and the patient should be wearing the facility's allergy bracelet. Assessment for drug allergies is necessary before medication is administered. A client's diet, surgical, and drug histories are important areas to assess, but they are not as critical as his or her allergy history, which can be life-threatening. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Text Reference: Page 531 OBJ: Describe factors to assess before administering medications. TOP: Allergy History KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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The patient has returned from a gastroscopy procedure. He has been NPO since midnight last night and has not received his morning medications. What should the nurse do before giving him his medications? a. Check for a gag reflex b. Allow the patient to self-administer c. Assess the ability to cough d. Use straws and extra water for administration
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ANS: A Assess patient's swallow, cough, and gag reflexes. Determine the patient's ability to swallow safely. Patients with altered ability to swallow are at higher risk for aspiration. If possible, the patient should be allowed to self-administer oral medications. Checking for a gag reflex takes priority over assessing the ability to cough in preventing aspiration. Straws should be avoided because they decrease the control the patient has over volume intake, which increases the risk for aspiration. Some patients cannot tolerate thin liquids such as water and need them to be thickened. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Text Reference: Page 531 OBJ: Describe factors to assess before administering medications. TOP: Gag Reflex KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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Which of the following is an appropriate technique for preparing medication for administration? a. Using a cutting device to cut scored tablets b. Unwrapping all of the medication to be given and placing it together in a cup c. Crushing capsules and enteric-coated medication for easier swallowing d. Pouring tablets from a floor stock bottle directly into the medication cup without touching them
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ANS: A If you have to break a medication to administer half the dosage, use a clean, gloved hand to break the tablet or cut with a cutting device. Tablets that are to be broken in half must be prescored by a manufactured line that transverses the center of the tablet. This reduces contamination of the tablet. Tablets that are not prescored cannot be broken into equal halves, and the result will be an inaccurate dose. Using a cutting device results in a more even split of the tablet. Wrapper maintains cleanliness of medications and identifies drug name and dose. Not all drugs can be crushed (e.g., capsules, enteric-coated, long-acting/slow-release drugs). The coating of these drugs protects the stomach from irritation or protects the drug from destruction by stomach acids. Medications poured from a stock bottle should be poured into the cap first to get the correct dose while avoiding waste. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Text Reference: Page 532 OBJ: Administer oral medication. TOP: Cutting Pills KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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The nurse is in the medication room preparing medications for her patients. She has four patients who require medications at 0900. Which of the following methods follows the six rights of medication? a. Prepare medications for all of her patients at once and keep the cups separate b. Break unscored tablets with her fingers after washing her hands c. Place tablets or capsules into the medicine cup while still in their wrappers d. Remove tablets from their package and put directly into medication cup before bringing them into the patient's room
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ANS: C To prepare unit-dose tablets or capsules, place packaged tablet or capsule directly into medicine cup. (Do not remove wrapper.) Wrapper maintains cleanliness of medications and identifies drug name and dose. Prepare medications for one patient at a time. Keep all pages of MAR for one patient together. This prevents preparation errors. If you have to break a medication to administer half the dosage, use a clean, gloved hand to break the tablet or cut with a cutting device. Tablets that are to be broken in half must be prescored by a manufactured line that transverses the center of the tablet. This reduces contamination of the tablet. Tablets that are not prescored cannot be broken into equal halves, and the result will be an inaccurate dose. Using a cutting device results in a more even split of the tablet. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Text Reference: Page 532 OBJ: Correctly administer a medication by oral, nasogastric or other enteral tube, skin (topical), ophthalmic, otic, nasal, inhaled, vaginal, and rectal routes. TOP: Administering Oral Medication KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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What should the nurse do to assist a patient who is having difficulty swallowing tablets and capsules? a. Administer the medication with less fluid b. Insert a nasogastric tube, and instill the medication c. Crush the medications, and administer with a small amount of food d. Administer the tablets one at a time with plenty of liquid
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ANS: C If patient has difficulty swallowing, use pill-crushing device to crush. Mix ground tablet in small amount of soft food (custard or applesauce). Large tablets are often difficult to swallow. Ground tablet mixed with palatable soft food is usually easier to swallow. Not all drugs can be crushed (e.g., capsules, enteric-coated, long-acting/slow-release drugs). The coating of these drugs protects the stomach from irritation or protects the drug from destruction by stomach acids. Administration of medication with less fluid could make it more difficult for the patient to swallow. Insertion of a nasogastric tube requires an order from the provider. A patient who is having difficulty swallowing may not be safe swallowing large capsules or tablets even one at a time.
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The nurse is preparing to administer a pediatric dose of liquid medication to an infant. What should the nurse do to ensure an accurate dose of the medication? a. Empty the unit dose container into a plastic cup b. Hold the medication cup steady on the counter when pouring c. Draw the medication up in an oral syringe d. Draw the medication up in a calibrated hypodermic syringe
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ANS: C For small doses of liquid medications, draw liquid into a calibrated oral syringe. Use only syringes specifically designed for oral use when administering liquid medications. If medication is in a unit-dose container with the correct amount to administer, no further preparation is necessary. If using a medication cup, hold medication cup at eye level, and fill to desired level on scale. Scale should be even with fluid level at its surface or base of meniscus, not edges. Do not use a hypodermic syringe or a syringe with a needle or syringe cap. If hypodermic syringes are used, the medication inadvertently may be administered parenterally, or the syringe cap or needle, if not removed from the syringe before administration, may become dislodged and accidentally aspirated when the syringe plunger is pressed.
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For the patient who cannot sit upright, the next best position to prevent aspiration during medication administration is: a. Prone b. Supine c. Side-lying d. Dorsal recumbent
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ANS: C Assist patient to a seated or side-lying position if sitting is contraindicated by patient's condition. This decreases risk of aspiration during swallowing. Swallowing is difficult or impossible in the prone position. The risk of aspiration is increased when the patient is swallowing in the supine position. The risk of aspiration is increased when the patient is swallowing in the dorsal recumbent position.
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The patient has been complaining of chest pressure. After the appropriate assessment, the nurse gives the patient sublingual nitroglycerin, telling the patient not to swallow the medication. Why are these instructions important? a. The effects of the medication will be nullified if swallowed. b. Sublingual drugs begin to dissolve when placed on the tongue. c. The medication needs to be held against the cheek membranes. d. The patient may aspirate on the water used for these medications.
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ANS: A If swallowed, the drug is destroyed by gastric juices or is detoxified so rapidly by the liver that therapeutic blood levels are not attained. Orally disintegrating formulations begin to dissolve when placed on the tongue. Sublingual medications, however, are placed under the tongue. For sublingually administered medications: Have patient place medication under tongue, and allow it to dissolve completely. Water is not needed for these medications.
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The nurse is preparing to medicate a small child. The medication comes in pill or liquid form, but the liquid preparation has a bitter taste. What is the preferred way to administer the medication under this circumstance? a. Give the pill form b. Mix the liquid with honey c. Mix the liquid in milk d. Mix the liquid in applesauce
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ANS: D Children will refuse bitter or distasteful oral preparations. Mix the drug with a small amount (about 1 tsp) of a sweet-tasting substance, such as jam, applesauce, sherbet, ice cream, or fruit puree. Offer the child juice or a flavored ice pop after medication administration Liquid forms of medication are safer to swallow to avoid aspiration of small pills. Do not use honey in infants because of the risk of botulism. Do not place medication in an essential food item, such as milk or formula; the child may refuse the food at a later time.
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The nurse is preparing to administer medications to a patient via his enteral feeding tube. Which of the following may be administered via his tube? a. Crushed chewable aspirin b. Liquid aspirin c. Enteric-coated aspirin d. Sustained-release aspiring capsule
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ANS: B Preferably, medications administered by enteral tubes should be given in liquid form. If liquid form is not available, you will have to modify the form of the medication tablet by crushing or dissolving it. However, you cannot crush sustained-release, chewable, long-acting, or enteric-coated tablets and capsules. Therefore, do not administer these medications by enteral tubes. Consult with the hospital pharmacy when in doubt. You cannot crush sustained-release, chewable, long-acting, or enteric-coated tablets and capsules. Therefore, do not administer these medications by enteral tubes.
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The nurse is preparing to administer medications via jejunostomy tube to a patient who has a continuous tube feeding. Some of the medications need to be given on an empty stomach and come only in tablet form which need crushing. After crushing them, the nurse needs to: a. Add the medications directly to the feeding tube b. Flush the tubing before the medication is given c. Stop the feeding 15 to 30 minutes before medication administration d. Dissolve the medication in cold water
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ANS: C If the medication is not compatible with the feeding solution, or if the patient needs to take medication on an empty stomach, stop the feeding 15 to 30 minutes before medication administration to facilitate absorption of medication. Never add crushed medications directly to the tube feeding. Whenever possible, use liquid medications instead of crushed tablets, but if you have to crush tablets, the tubing must be flushed before and after the medication is given to prevent the drug from adhering to the inside of the tube. Dissolve in at least 30 mL of warm water. Cold water causes gastric cramping
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The nurse is to administer several medications to the patient via the nasogastric (NG) tube. What should the nurse do first? a. Add the medication to the tube feeding being given b. Crush all tablets and capsules before administration c. Administer all of the medications mixed together d. Check for placement of the NG tube
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ANS: D Check placement of feeding tube by observing gastric contents and checking pH of aspirate contents. Gastric pH should be 4 or less. This ensures proper tube placement and reduces the risk of introducing fluids into the respiratory tract. Never add medications directly to the tube feeding. Not all tablets can be crushed, such as sustained-release tablets, nor should all capsules be opened. Medications should be reviewed carefully before a tablet is crushed or a capsule is opened. To administer more than one medication, give each separately, and flush between medications with 10 mL of water. Keeping the medications separate allows for accurate identification of medication if a dose is spilled. In addition, some medications are not compatible with each other, and this may cause clogging of the tube
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When preparing to administer medication via an NG tube, the nurse aspirates a large volume of residual. What should the nurse do first? a. Wait 1 hour and medicate the patient b. Administer the medication with more fluid c. Return the aspirate and withhold the medication d. Attach the NG tube to suction to remove additional volume
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ANS: C If you find a large volume of aspirate (e.g., 200 mL or more), return aspirate to patient, withhold medication, and notify patient's health care provider. Check agency policy. Some agency policies will hold the tube feeding as well. Large-volume aspirates indicate delayed gastric emptying, which contributes to gastric distention, esophageal reflux, and vomiting, all of which place the patient at risk for aspiration. Additional fluid would not be administered if the patient had a large residual. Use of suction would require an order from the provider.
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The patient is to receive three different medications via nasogastric tube. What is the total amount of water the nurse should prepare to administer? a. 5 mL of water b. 15 mL of water c. 30 mL of water d. 80 mL of water
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ANS: D 30 mL of water would be administered before and after the medication and 15 to 30 mL between medications for a total of at least 90 mL.
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An appropriate technique for a nurse to implement when administering a topical medication with a systemic effect is: a. Using clean gloves for application to open skin areas b. Applying thick layers of creams and ointments c. Massaging nitroglycerin products into the skin d. Rotating sites, avoiding reuse of a site for at least 1 week
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ANS: D Remove the old patch, and choose a different site. Do not apply to previously used sites for at least 1 week. Rotation of sites reduces skin irritation from medication and adhesive. Do not attempt to apply transdermal patches on skin that is oily, burned, broken out, cut, or irritated in any way. Apply to the thickness specified by manufacturer's instructions. This ensures even distribution and sufficient dosage of medication. Do not rub or massage ointment into skin. Medication is designed to absorb slowly over several hours; massaging increases the absorption rate.
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The nurse is teaching the patient how to use a topical medication. Which statement indicates an understanding of the procedure? a. "If the patch starts to come off, I can secure it with tape." b. "If the patch falls off, I will put a new one on in the same place." c. "If my skin is irritated, I will cleanse it using water only." d. "I can dispose of used materials in the household trash as usual."
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ANS: C If skin is inflamed, instruct patients to use only warm water rinse without soap for cleansing. Instruct patient how to manage a transdermal patch that begins to peel off before the next dose is due. Rather than tape the patch or cover it, instruct the patient to remove the patch, clean the skin, and apply a new patch to a different area. Instruct the patient to wrap applicators, used patches, and similar materials and dispose into cardboard or plastic disposable containers. Careful disposal is necessary to ensure the safety of the patient, other adults, pets, and children.
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The patient is prescribed an ophthalmic medication to be administered via intraocular disk. The nurse knows that the disk resembles a contact lens and is: a. Placed in the conjunctival sac b. Placed on the cornea c. Remains in place for 6 to 8 hours d. Replaced daily
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ANS: A Medications delivered by disk resemble a contact lens, but the disk is placed in the conjunctival sac, not on the cornea, and it remains in place for up to 1 week.
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The patient is ordered to have eye drops administered daily to both eyes. On/in which part of the eye should eye drops be instilled? a. Cornea b. Outer canthus c. Lower conjunctival sac d. Opening of the lacrimal duct
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ANS: C Eye drops should be instilled into the lower conjunctival sac. The conjunctival sac normally holds 1 or 2 drops and provides even distribution of medication across the eye. The cornea is very sensitive. If drops were instilled onto the cornea, this would stimulate the blink reflex. The outer canthus would not hold the eye drop, and it would be wasted, nor would it be distributed evenly across the eye. The opening of the lacrimal duct is not the correct site for eye drops to be instilled. It would not provide even distribution of drops across the eye, and medication most likely would be wasted because this area could not contain the drops
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When administering an eye medication, the nurse should: a. Clean away crusts from the outer to inner canthus b. Place eye drops directly onto the sclera c. Apply ointment along the inner edge of the lower eyelid d. Rub the eye gently in a circular motion after giving eye drops
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ANS: C Holding ointment applicator above lower lid margin, apply thin ribbon of ointment evenly along inner edge of lower eyelid on conjunctiva from the inner canthus to outer canthus. This distributes medication evenly across eye and lid margin Eyes are cleansed from the inner to the outer canthus. Drops are instilled into the conjunctival sac. Have patient close eye and rub lid lightly in circular motion with cotton ball, only if rubbing is not contraindicated.
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A patient is experiencing a systemic effect from eye drops. This is evaluated by the nurse as: a. Headache b. Reddened eyes c. Darkened conjunctiva d. Elevated pulse and blood pressure
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ANS: D An unexpected outcome is noted when the patient experiences systemic effects from drops (e.g., increased heart rate and blood pressure from epinephrine, decreased heart rate and blood pressure from timolol). Local side effects include headache, bloodshot eyes, and local eye irritation.
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What should the nurse do first when preparing to administer ear drops to an adult patient? a. Warm the medication b. Pull the pinna down and back c. Massage the pinna of the ear d. Remove cerumen from the inner ear canal
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ANS: A Internal ear structures are very sensitive to temperature extremes. Failure to instill a solution at room temperature can cause vertigo (severe dizziness) or nausea and can debilitate a patient for several minutes. Pulling the pinna down and back is the procedure for children aged 3 and younger. Do massage the pinna of the ear. Massage the tragus. Gentle pressure or massage to the tragus of the ear moves medication inward. Cerumen is removed from the outer canal only.
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After ear drops are administered to the left ear, the patient should be positioned: a. Prone b. Upright c. Right lateral d. Dorsal recumbent with hyperextension of the neck
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ANS: C The patient should remain in the side-lying position, in this case, the right lateral position. Ask patient to remain in side-lying position for a few minutes. Apply gentle massage or pressure to tragus of ear with finger. This allows complete distribution of medication. Pressure and massage move medication inward. The upright, prone, and dorsal recumbent positions are not recommended after administration of ear drops. The ear drops would run out of the ear canal.
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How should the nurse position the patient to administer nose drops to the maxillary sinus? a. Sitting upright with the head backward b. Supine with a pillow under the shoulders c. Supine with the head turned to the unaffected side d. Lying down with the head back, over the edge of the bed, and turned toward the side to be treated
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ANS: D For access to the frontal and maxillary sinus, tilt head back over edge of bed or pillow with head turned toward side to be treated. This position allows medication to drain into affected sinus. For access to posterior pharynx, tilt patient's head backward. For access to ethmoid or sphenoid sinus, tilt head back over edge of bed, or place small pillow under patient's shoulder and tilt head back. Turn head toward side to be treated to allow medication to drain into affected sinus.
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The nurse is teaching a mother how to administer nasal medications to her infant child. Which of the following is true? a. Over-the-counter nasal sprays should be saved in case they are needed later. b. Nasal spray decongestants are safe and have no serious side effects. c. Infants should receive nose drops 20 to 30 minutes before feedings. d. Infants are mouth breathers, so nose drops can be given anytime.
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ANS: C Infants are nose breathers, and the possible congestion caused by nasal medications may inhibit their sucking. Administer nose drops, if ordered, 20 to 30 minutes before feedings. Over-the-counter nasal sprays or nose drops should be used for only one illness; bottles become easily contaminated with bacteria. Caution patients against overuse of nasal spray decongestants because they cause a rebound effect, worsening of mucosal swelling. Risk increases as more drug is used. Infants are nose breathers, and the possible congestion caused by nasal medications may inhibit their sucking. Administer nose drops, if ordered, 20 to 30 minutes before feedings.
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A patient has a prescription for a medication that is administered via an inhaler. To determine whether the patient requires a spacer for the inhaler, the nurse will determine the: a. Dosage of medication required b. Coordination of the patient c. Schedule of administration d. Use of a dry powder inhaler (DPI)
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ANS: B Because use of a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) requires coordination during the breathing cycle, many patients spray only the back of their throats and fail to receive a full dose. The inhaler must be depressed to expel medication just as the patient inhales. This ensures that the medication reaches the lower airways. Poor coordination can be solved by the use of spacer devices (Aerochamber, InspirEase) or a breath-activated MDI, such as the Maxair Autoinhaler. The use of a spacer is not dependent on the dosage of medication or the schedule of administration. Spacers are not required with the use of a DPI.
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Evaluation of the appropriate use of an MDI by a patient is evident when the patient: a. Does not shake the canister b. Presses the canister before taking a breath c. Holds the breath for 10 seconds after inhalation d. Takes another puff of medication quickly after the first dose
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ANS: C Breathe in slowly for 2 to 3 seconds, then hold breath for approximately 10 seconds, allowing tiny drops of aerosol spray to reach the deeper branches of airways. Shaking the inhaler before administration is the correct procedure; it mixes the medication in the canister. The correct procedure is to depress the canister during inhalation. A wait of 20 to 30 seconds is advised between doses of the same medication; 2 to 5 minutes is the standard time between doses of different medications.
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The patient is getting a bronchodilator and an inhaled steroid scheduled for the same time. What information should the nurse provide to the patient about administering these medications? a. The bronchodilator should be administered first b. The steroid should be given first c. The patient should wait 20 to 30 seconds between inhalations d. The patient may feel a gagging sensation in the throat
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ANS: A Drugs must be inhaled sequentially. If bronchodilators are administered with inhaled steroids, the bronchodilators should be given first to dilate the airway passages for the second medication. Instruct patient to wait 20 to 30 seconds between inhalations (if it is the same medication), or 2 to 5 minutes between inhalations if the medications are different. Gagging results when inhalant is sprayed and inhaled incorrectly.
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A nurse determines that administration of a small-volume nebulizer or inhaler is withheld immediately if the patient experiences: a. Coughing b. Dysrhythmias c. An inability to self-administer the medication d. An excessive need for a greater frequency than every 4 hours
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ANS: B If patient experiences cardiac dysrhythmias (light-headedness, syncope), especially if receiving beta-adrenergics, withhold all additional doses of medication, assess vital signs, and notify prescriber regarding reassessment of type of medication and delivery method. Coughing would be assessed and recorded, but this would not necessarily require discontinuation of treatment. Inability to self-administer might require changing the method of administration but would not require stopping treatment. Frequency of nebulizer treatments would be determined by the provider's order.
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An expected response from a vaginal instillation is evident when: a. Local pruritus is evident b. The vaginal walls are bright pink or red in color c. White curd-like patches appear on the vaginal walls d. A small amount of discharge that is the same color as the medication is noted
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ANS: D Some vaginal discharge that is the same color as the medication is an expected outcome after vaginal instillation. Local pruritus indicates inflammation or infection and is an unexpected outcome. Bright pink or red vaginal walls or white curd-like patches are signs of a possible yeast infection. Bright pink or red vaginal walls or white curd-like patches are signs of a possible yeast infection.
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Which is the optimum position in which to place the patient for insertion of a rectal suppository? a. Prone b. Supine c. Dorsal recumbent d. Left Sims' position
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ANS: D The left side-lying Sims' position exposes the anus and helps the patient to relax the external anal sphincter, while lessening the likelihood that the suppository or feces will be expelled. The supine and dorsal recumbent positions would make access to the anus difficult and would allow the suppository to slip out.
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Which of the following is the correct procedure for insertion of a rectal suppository? a. Wearing sterile gloves b. Inserting the suppository 6 to 10 inches c. Positioning the patient on the right side d. Instructing the patient to remain lying flat for 5 minutes
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ANS: D Lying flat or on the side for 5 minutes after the suppository is inserted prevents it from being expelled. Administering a suppository is not a sterile procedure; clean examination gloves are used. The suppository is inserted 4 inches (10 cm). The left Sims' position is used for suppository administration
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Which of the following contraindicate the patient's receiving medications by mouth? (Select all that apply.) a. Gastrointestinal alterations b. The inability to swallow food c. The inability to swallow liquids d. The use of gastric suction
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ANS: A, B, C, D Certain situations often arise that contraindicate the patient's receiving medications by mouth, such as gastrointestinal alterations, the inability of a patient to swallow food or fluids, and the use of gastric suction.
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Topical medications can be applied in which of the following ways? (Select all that apply.) a. Via an enteral tube b. Drops in the eye c. Spraying d. Buccal
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ANS: B C D Topical medications can be applied by direct application of liquid (eye drops, gargling, swabbing the throat), insertion of a drug into a body cavity (rectal or vaginal suppositories, vaginal creams or foams), instillation of fluid into a body cavity (fluid is retained) (ear drops, nose drops, bladder and rectal instillation), irrigation of a body cavity (fluid is not retained) (flushing eye, ear, vagina, bladder, or rectum with medicated fluid), spraying (instillation into nose or throat, or under the tongue), and inhalation of medicated aerosol spray (distributes medication throughout the nasal passages and the tracheobronchial airway). Two types of devices are designed for this purpose: metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) and small-volume nebulizers, for inhalation of dry powder medication (distributes medication in powder form throughout the tracheobronchial airway.) (The device designed for this purpose is the dry powder inhaler [DPI]). Medication may be applied to the skin or mucosa (lotion, ointment, cream, powder, foam, spray, patch, and disk), or by sublingual (medication placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve) or buccal routes (medication placed between the upper or lower molar teeth and cheek area and allowed to dissolve).
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Which of the following tubes are used for long-term enteral feedings? (Select all that apply.) a. PEG tube b. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube c. Jejunostomy tube d. Nasogastric decompression tube
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ANS: A, B, C For long-term enteral feedings, a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube or a jejunostomy tube may be inserted surgically. Do not administer medications into nasogastric tubes that are inserted for decompression.
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Which of the following is true about MDIs? (Select all that apply.) a. Inhaled medications can open narrowed bronchioles. b. Inhaled medications can liquefy thick mucous secretions. c. The use of spacer devices requires good coordination. d. Inhaled medications are local only and produce no systemic effects.
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ANS: A, B Inhaled medications usually are designed to produce local effects; for example, bronchodilators open narrowed bronchioles, and mucolytic agents liquefy thick mucous secretions. However, because these medications are absorbed rapidly through the pulmonary circulation, some have the potential for producing systemic side effects. The inhaler must be depressed to expel medication just as the patient inhales. This ensures that the medication reaches the lower airways. Poor coordination can be solved by the use of spacer devices.
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The easiest and most desirable way to administer medications if via the _________ route.
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ANS: oral The oral route is the easiest and most desirable way to administer medications. Patients usually ingest or self-administer oral medication with few problems.
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___________ medications are applied locally to skin, mucous membranes, or tissue membranes.
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Topical Topical medications are applied locally to skin, mucous membranes, or tissue membranes. A variety of methods and formulations may be used to apply medication to the skin.
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Medication that is placed under the tongue and is allowed to dissolve is known as ____________ medication.
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ANS: sublingual Sublingual medication is medication placed under the tongue and is allowed to dissolve.
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______________ medication is placed between the molar teeth and the cheek area and is allowed to dissolve.
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Buccal Buccal medication is placed between the molar teeth and the cheek area and is allowed to dissolve.
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Medications used by patients to treat eye problems are known as ______________ medications.
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ophthalmic Common eye (ophthalmic) medications used by patients are drops and ointments, including over-the-counter preparations such as artificial tears and vasoconstrictors (e.g., Visine, Murine).
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Handheld devices that disperse medications through an aerosol spray or mist to penetrate lung airways are known as ___________.
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metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) MDIs are handheld devices that disperse medications through an aerosol spray or mist to penetrate lung airways.
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Handheld devices that deliver inhaled medication in a fine powder to penetrate lung airways are known as ___________.
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dry powder inhalers (DPIs) DPIs also deliver inhaled medication in a fine powder formulation to the respiratory tract.
