University of the East

RAMON MAGSAYSAY MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER, INC.

# 64 Aurora Boulevard, Bgy. Dona Imelda, Quezon City

COLLEGE OF NURSING

PHARMACOLOGY
Worksheet 5- Administration of Pharmacotherapeutic Agents

Direction: Enumerate the steps of drug administration in the different routes in column A. State the rationale for such step in column B.
Explain the nursing responsibilities in performing the said step column C.

Route of Administration Rationale Nursing responsibilities

A. Tablets & Capsules

Sublingually (place under tongue) - Readily absorbed after being placed under - Administer irritating drugs with food to
the tongue to dissolve. decrease GI discomfort.

- Medication given by this route should not

be swallowed, or the desired effect will not
be achieved.

-Routes are convenient and comfortable for

client.

Buccally (place between cheek and gum) - Acts locally on the mucosa or - Administer drugs on empty stomach if
remain in place until fuly absorbed systematically as it is swallowed in a food interferes with medication absorption.
person’s saliva.

- Routes are easy to administer.

-Routes rarely cause anxiety for patient.

- Encourage the use of child-resistant caps.

B. Liquids

Orally - Easiest and least expensive route of - Read first the labels to determine
administering medications. whether dilution or shaking.

- Provide a sustained and increased - Refrigerate Liquids once reconstituted.

absorption time.

Route of Administration Rationale Nursing responsibilities

C. Transdermal

- Provide prolonged systemic effects, wit - Wash hands before doing the procedure.
limited side effects.

- Do after care by cleaning oily or pasty

substance, And discard soiled linens.
 D. Topical

Medications applied to the skin and mucous - Route is painless. - Never apply topical medication without
membranes generally have local effects. first protecting their own skin.
- Limited side effects occur.

Applied to the skin by painting or spreading - Topical skin applications primarily provide - Use appropriate technique to remove the
it over an area. local effect. medication from the container and apply it
to clean, dry skin when possible.

Applying moist dressings, Soaking body - Do not contaminate the medications in a

parts in solution, Medicated baths. container; instead use glove or an applicator.

- Do not “double dip”.

E. Eye drops

Conjunctival sac (From inner to outer - This route decrease intra-ocular pressure - Administer the prescribed numbers of
canthus) drops into the center of the sac.

- Provide papillary dilatation to facilitate - Do not touch eyelids or eyelashes with

eye exam dropper.

- Provide direct route for focal effect. - Tell the patient to keep his/her eyes
closed for 1-2 minutes to promote
absorption.

Route of Administration Rationale Nursing responsibilities

F. Eye ointment

Conjunctival sac ( from inner to outer - Cleanse an area of excess drainage, debris - Remove any discharge by gently wiping out
canthus) or irrigating substance. from canthus. Use separate cloth for each
eye.

- Remove foreign objects. - Gently draw skin down below the affected
eye to expose conjunctival sac.

- Instruct client to close eyes for 2-3

minutes.

- Do not place medication directly on cornea.

G. Eardrops (Adult)

External EAR - Provide focal effect - Medications should be placed at room

temperature.

Pull down and back on auricle - Instruct the client to sit up with tilted
slightly toward the unaffected side.

- Have client maintain position 2-3 minutes.

Route of Administration Rationale Nursing responsibilities

H. Eardrops (Child)
 External EAR - Provide focal effect - Medications should be placed at room
temperature.

Pull up and back on auricle - Instruct the client to sit up with tilted
slightly toward the unaffected side.

- Have client maintain position 2-3 minutes.

I. Inhalations

Nasal Passages - Rapid relief for local respiratory problems. - Position client into semi-fowler’s or High
fowler’s position.

Oral Passage - Provides easy access for introduction of - Teach the client correct use of equipment.
general anesthetic gases.

Endotracheal tubes – inserted to client’s

mouth and go to the trachea.

Tracheostomy Tubes – tubes enter the

trachea through an incision made in the
neck.

J. Nosedrops/Sprays

Tilt head back for drops to reach - Have client blow nose.
frontal sinus.
 Tilt head to affected side to reach - Have client tilt head back for drops to
ethmoid sinus. reach frontal sinus and head to affected
side to reach ethmoid sinus.

- Administer the prescribed number of

drops or sprays.

- Have client keep head tilted backward for

5 minutes after instillation of drops.

Route of Administration Rationale Nursing responsibilities

K. Rectal Suppositories

Rectally for local and systemic - Medication administered rectally for local - Explain procedure to the client and provide
absorption. and systemic absorption. privacy

- Numerous small capillaries in the rectal - Use a glove for insertion.

area promote absorption.

- Instruct the client to lie on the left side

and breathe through the mouth to relax anal
sphincter.

- Apply a small amount of water-soluble and

lubricant to the tip of the unwrapped
suppository, and gently insert the
suppository beyond the internal sphincter.

L. Vaginal Suppositories
Inserted to vagina with an Medication administered vaginally for local - Client should be in lithotomy position.
applicator. and systemic absorption.

- After insertion of the medication, provide

client with a sanitary pad.