Preparing and Administering Oral Medications Basic Concept: Purpose: Assess For

1
Name: _______________________________________________________ Date: ___________________

Clinical Instructor: ______________________________________________ Section: ________________
PREPARING AND ADMINISTERING ORAL MEDICATIONS
Basic Concept:
Oral administration is the easiest and most desirable way to administer medications by mouth.
Purpose:
To provide a medication that has systemic or local effects on the gastrointestinal tract or both.
Assess for:
1. Allergies to medications
2. Client's ability to swallow the medication
3. Presence of vomiting or diarrhea that would interfere with the ability to absorb the medication
4. Specific drug action, side effects, interactions and adverse reactions
5. Client's knowledge of and learning needs about the medication
6. Perform appropriate assessments specific to the medication
7. Determine if the assessment date influences the administration of the medication
Planning:
1. Aware the patient
2. Organize supplies and equipment
a. medicine tray
b. medicine cups/glass
c. paper tissue
d. mortar and pestle
e. medication dropper/ syringe
f. glass of water and straw as necessary
g. medication card
3. observe correct time
4. recall guiding principles
5. obtain appropriate medication
PROCEDURE RATIONALE
PREPARATION OF ORAL MEDICATION
Gather equipment
Check each medication order against the original
physician’s order according to agency policy
Check patient’s chart for allergies
Know the actions , special nursing considerations,
safe dose ranges, purpose of administration and
adverse reactions of the medications to be
administered
Perform hand hygiene
Obtain and prepare appropriate medication for
one patient at a time
Prepare the required medicines
PILL, TABLET AND CAPSULE
Packaged unit dose
-Place directly into the medicine cup
-Do not open wrapper until at the bedside
Multi-dose containers/ stock container
-Pour necessary or required number into the bottle
cap
-Transfer the medication to the medicine cap
without touching the medicine
Liquid Medication
-Thoroughly mix the medication before pouring
-Remove the cap and place it upside down
-Hold the bottle so the label is next to your palm
2
and pour the medication away from the label

-Place medicine cup at eye level and fill it to the
desired level, using the bottom of the meniscus to
align with the container scale
-Before the capping of the bottle, wipe the lip with
a paper towel
Place the prepared medication and medication
ticket on a medicine tray
Bring medications to the patient’s bedside
carefully and keep the medication in sight at all
times
Ensure that the patient receives the medications at
the correct time
ADMINISTERING ORAL MEDICATIONS
Prepare the client
-Ask patient to state his/her name
-Check the name on the patient’s identification
band
-If the patient cannot identify him or herself, verify
the patient’s identification with a staff member
who knows the patient for the second source
Complete necessary assessments before
administering medications
Explain the purpose and action of each medication
to the patient using language that the client can
understand. Include the relevant information
about the effects
Assist the patient to a sitting position or if not
possible to a side-lying position
Administer the medication
-Give client sufficient water or preferred juice to
swallow the medication
-If the client is unable to hold the pill cup, use it to
introduce the medication into the client’s mouth
and give only one tablet or capsule at all time
-If an older child or adult has difficulty swallowing,
ask the client to place the medication on the back
of the tongue before taking a water
-If the medication has an objectionable taste, ask
the client to suck a few ice chips beforehand or
give the medication with juice if there are no
contraindications
Remain with the patient until each medication is
swallowed. Never leave the medication on
patient’s bedside
Document each medication given
Dispose all supplies appropriately
Evaluate the effects of the medication
Reference:
Barbara Kozier, Fundamentals of Nursing. 8th ed.,2008, copyright Prentice Hall
Taylor's Clinical Nursing Skills, 2nd ed., 2008, Copyright Lipincott Williams and Wilkins
Kozier and Erbs Fundamentals of Nursing, 2015
3
Name: _______________________________________________________ Date: ___________________

PREPARING AND ADMINISTERING PARENTERAL MEDICATIONS
Basic Concept:
Parenteral administration is the administration of medications by injection into the body tissues. These
medications are absorbed more quickly than oral medications and are irretrievable once injected. The
nurse must prepare and administer them carefully and accurately. Parenteral medications are given
through the following routes:
Intramuscular injections- injections into the muscle tissue. They are absorbed more quickly than
subcutaneous injections because of greater blood supply to the body muscles.
Subcutaneous injections- injections given just beneath the skin. Only small doses of medication
are usually injected via this route.
Intradermal injections- is the administration of a drug into the dermal layer of the skin just
beneath the epidermis.
Purpose:
Intramuscular injections- to provide a medication the client requires
Subcutaneous injections- to allow slower absorption of a medication compared with either the
intramuscular or intravenous route
Intradermal injections- to provide a medication that the client requires for allergy testing and TB
screening.
Assess for:
1. Client allergies to medications
2. Specific drug action, side effects and adverse reactions
3. Client's knowledge of and learning needs about the medication
4. Tissue integrity of the selected site; check agency protocol about sites to use for skin tests
5. Client's age and weight to determine site and needle size
6. Client's ability or willingness to cooperate
Preparation:
2. Assemble all supplies and equipment needed in a basic hypotray:
a. client's medication card
b. required medication in a vial or ampule
c. sterile syringe and needle
- Intramuscular injection- Gauge 20-23
- Subcutaneous injection- Gauge 24-25
- Intradermal injection- Gauge 25-26
- Withdrawal needle- Gauge 18-19
d. cotton balls with alcohol in a container
e. dry cotton balls in a container
f. gauze for opening the ampule
g. picking forcep
h. metal file if necessary
PROCEDURE RATIONALE
PREPARATION OF PARENTERAL MEDICATION
Gather equipment
administered
4

Prepare the required medication
VIAL
-Swab the rubber top with the antimicrobial swab
and allow to dry
-Remove the cap from the needle
-Draw back an amount of air equal to the specific
dose of medication to be withdrawn
-Hold the vial on a flat surface. Pierce the rubber
stopper in the center with the needle tip and inject
the measured air into the space above the
solution, do not inject air into the solution
-Invert the vial. Keep the tip of the needle below
the fluid level
-Hold the vial in one hand and use the other to
withdraw the medication
-Draw up the prescribed amount of medication or
solution while holding the syringe vertically at eye
level
-If any air bubbles accumulate in the syringe, tap
the barrel of the syringe sharply and move the
needle past the fluid into the air space to reinject
the air bubbles into the vial
-Return the needle tip to the solution and continue
withdrawal of the medication
-After the correct dose is withdrawn, remove the
needle from the vial and carefully replace the cap
over the needle
-Check the amount of medication in the syringe
with the medication ticket and discard any surplus
AMPULE
- Flick the upper stem of the ampule several times
with fingernail
-Wrap a small gauze pad around the neck of the
ampule
-Use a snapping motion to break off the top of the
ampule along the scored line at its neck. Always
break away from your body
-Dispose off the top of the ampule in the sharps
container
-Withdraw medication in the amount ordered
-Do not inject air into the solution
ADMINISTERING PARENTERAL MEDICATIONS
Prepare the required medication from an ampule
or vial
Whenever feasible change the needle on the
syringe before the injection
Bring medications to the patient's bedside
carefully and keep medications in sight at all times
Prepare the client
band
5
-Complete necessary assessments before

about the effects
possible to a side-lying position depending on the
chosen site. Obtain assistance in holding an
uncooperative client
Select, locate and clean the site
- select a site free of skin lesions, tenderness,
swelling, hardness or localized inflammation and
one that has not been used frequently
Identify the appropriate landmarks for the site
chosen
Clean the area around the injection site with an
antimicrobial swab. Use a firm circular motion
while moving outward from the injection site and
allow the area to dry.
Prepare the syringe for injection by removing the
needle cap by pulling it straight off
INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION
-hold the syringe in your dominant hand between
the thumb and forefinger
-displace the skin in a Z-track manner by pulling
the skin down or one side about 1” with your non
dominant hand and hold the skin and tissue in this
position
-quickly dart the needle into the tissue so that the
needle is perpendicular to the patient's body. This
should ensure that it is given using an angle of
injection between 72-90 degrees
-as soon as the needle is in place, use your thumb
and forefinger of your non dominant hand to hold
the lower end of the syringe. Slide your dominant
hand to the end of the plunger
-aspirate by slowly (for at least 5 seconds) pulling
back the plunger to determine whether the needle
is in a blood vessel. Watch for a flash of pink or red
in the syringe
-if no blood is aspirated, inject the solution slowly
(10 seconds/ ml of medication)
-Once the medication has been instilled wait for
10 seconds before withdrawing the needle
-withdraw the needle smoothly and steadily at the
same angle at which it was inserted, supporting
tissue around the injection site with your non
dominant hand
-apply gentle pressure at the site with dry cotton
ball
SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION
-grasp the syringe in your dominant hand by
holding it between your thumb and fingers with
palm facing to the side or upward for a 45-degree
angle insertion, prepare to inject
-using the non dominant hand pinch or spread the
skin at the site and insert the needle using the
6
dominant hand and a firm steady push

-when the needle is inserted, move your non
dominant hand to the end of the plunger
-inject the medication by holding the syringe
steady and depressing the plunger with slow, even
pressure
-remove the needle slowly and smoothly, pulling
along the line of insertion while depressing the
skin with your non dominant hand
-using a cotton ball, apply gentle pressure to the
site after the needle is withdrawn. Do not massage
the site
INTRADERMAL INJECTION
-use the non dominant hand to spread the skin
taut over the injection site
-hold the syringe in the dominant hand between
the thumb and forefinger with the bevel of the
needle up
-hold the syringe at a 10-15 degree angle from the
site
-once the needle is in place, steady the lower end
of the syringe, slide your dominant hand to the
end of the plunger
-slowly inject the agent while watching for a small
wheal or blister to appear
-withdraw the needle quickly at the same angle
that it was inserted, do not massage after
removing needle. Tell patient not to rub or scratch
the site
-draw the circle around around the perimeter of
the injection site with ballpen after patting the
area with dry cotton ball
-do not recap the used needle, engage the safety
shield or needle guard if present. Discard the
needle and syringe in the appropriate receptacle
-assist the patient to a position of comfort
-evaluate patient's response to medication within
an appropriate time frame. Assess site,if possible
within 2-4 hours after administration. For
intradermal injection check the site 30 minutes
after.
-document all relevant information: time of
administration, drug name, dose, route, client's
reaction
Reference:
7
Name: _______________________________________________________ Date: ___________________

ADMINISTERING A RECTAL SUPPOSITORY
Basic concept:
Rectal administration is a convenient and safe method of giving certain medications into the rectum in
the form of suppository
Purpose:
1. it avoids irritation of the upper gastrointestinal tract in clients who encounter nausea and
vomiting
2. To stimulate peristalsis
3. Relieve pain, contract tissue, check bleeding and dry up secretions
4. Provide local sedative effect which enables rectum to rest
5. For systemic effects
Assess for:
1. When the client last defecated
2. presence of hemorrhoids, bleeding and irritation, rectal surgery
3. client's level of consciousness
4. the availability of medication
Planning:
a. medicine tray
b. suppository
c. paper tissue
d. gloves
e. lubricant
f. waste receptacle
g. medication card
PROCEDURE RATIONALE
Gather equipment
administered
times
the correct time
Prepare the client
band
8

about the effects
Put on gloves
Assist patient to his or her left side in a Sim's
position. Drape accordingly to expose the buttocks
only
Remove the suppository from its wrapper or
container
Apply lubricant to the rounded end including the
index finger of your dominant hand
Separate the buttocks with your non dominant
hand and instruct the patient to breathe slowly
and deeply through his or her mouth while the
suppository is being inserted
Using your index finger, insert the suppository,
round end first, along the rectal wall. Insert about
3”to 4”
Use a toilet tissue to clean any stool or lubricant
from around the anus. Release the buttocks.
Encourage the patient to remain on his or her side
for atleast 5 minutes and retain the suppository for
appropriate amount of time for the specific
medication
Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene
Evaluate patient's response to the procedure and
medication
Reference:
9
Name: _______________________________________________________ Date: ___________________

TOPICAL ADMINISTRATION
Basic concept:
A topical medication is applied locally to the skin or mucous membrane. Topical skin or dermatologic
preparations include ointment,pastes, creams, lotions, powders, sprays and patches.
Purpose:
1. Diaper rash, wounds, burns, dermatitis and other skin conditions
2. Used to decrease pruritus or to treat local or fungal infections
Assess for:
1. The need for topical administration
2. The part is clean
3. Redness, rashes, swelling and discharges or abnormalities on the administration site
4. Client's level of consciousness
5. Any history of allergy
6. Availability of medications
Planning:
a. medicine tray
b. warm water or other specified solutions
c. clean towel
d. sterile gauze squares or cotton balls
e. gloves
f. medication card
PROCEDURE RATIONALE
Gather equipment
administered
Prepare the required medicines if it is a powder,
lotion, cream, ointments, paste, spray, patch
times
the correct time
Prepare the client
band
10

about the effects
possible to a side-lying position or position of
comfort
Before applying a dermatologic preparation ,
thoroughly clean the area with soap and water and
dry it with a patting motion
POWDER
- Make sure the skin surface is dry
- spread apart any skin folds and sprinkle the site
until area is covered with a fine thin layer
- cover the site with the dressing if ordered
CREAMS, OINTMENTS, PASTES, LOTION
-Warm and soften the preparation in gloved hands
to make it easier to apply and to prevent chilling
- smear it evenly over the skin using long strokes
that follow the direction of the hair growth
- explain that the skin may feel somewhat greasy
after applications
- apply a sterile dressing if ordered by the primary
care provider
AEROSOL SPRAY
- shake the container well to mix the contents
- hold the spray container at the recommended
distance from the area (6-12 inches)
- cover the client's face with a towel if the upper
chest or neck is to sprayed
- spray the medication over the specified area
PATCH
- select a clean, dry area that is free of hair
- remove the patch from its protective covering,
holding it without touching the adhesive edges and
apply it by pressing firmly with the palm of the
hand about 10 seconds
- remove the patch at the appropriate time, folding
the medicated side to the inside so it is covered
Reference:
11
Name: _______________________________________________________ Date: ___________________

PERFORMANCE CHECKLIST
PREPARING AND ADMINISTERING ORAL MEDICATIONS
Criteria for evaluation or rating the student’s performance:
1-Performs the step or procedure independently, correctly and appropriately. Shows excellent attitude and gives
the correct rationale of the step/ procedure to be performed. Answers the question/s correctly and analyzes the
situation on or before performing the procedure.
2-Performs more independently with increasing dependability but occasionally needing assistance. Shows very
satisfactory attitude and gives the correct rationale of the step/ procedure to be performed but occasionally
needing follow-up instructions and explanations.
3-Performs expected step/ procedure but needs supervision, follow-up instructions and explanations. Has
knowledge about the topic, step or procedure but needs reinforcement.
4-Performs with close supervision. The student needs repeated, specific, detailed guidance and direction to be able
to perform the step/ procedure correctly and appropriately. There is a need to improve performance.
5-Performs with very close supervision. The student shows poor or no interest in the step/ procedure to be
performed; cannot answer the question raised by the supervising clinical instructor based on the step or procedure
to be performed; unable to grasp understanding of the topic or procedure; unable to perform the required step
and state the rationale after being instructed, guided or directed. Student’s behavior is inappropriate and
potentially harmful to the client.
1 2 3 4 5
Assessed for:
Allergies to medications
Client's ability to swallow the medication
Presence of vomiting or diarrhea that would interfere with the ability to
absorb the medication
Specific drug action, side effects, interactions and adverse reactions
Client's knowledge of and learning needs about the medication
Perform appropriate assessments specific to the medication
Determine if the assessment date influences the administration of the
medication
Planning:
Awareness of the patient
Organize supplies and equipment
observe correct time
recall guiding principles
obtain appropriate medication
PREPARATION OF ORAL MEDICATION
Gathered equipment
Checked each medication order against the original physician’s order
according to agency policy
Checked patient’s chart for allergies
Known the actions , special nursing considerations, safe dose ranges, purpose
of administration and adverse reactions of the medications to be
administered
12
Performed hand hygiene

Obtained and prepare appropriate medication for one patient at a time
Prepared the required medicines
PILL, TABLET AND CAPSULE
Packaged unit dose
-Placed directly into the medicine cup
-Wrapper is not open until at the bedside
Multi-dose containers/ stock container
-Poured necessary or required number into the bottle cap
-Transferred the medication to the medicine cap without touching the
medicine
Liquid Medication
-Thoroughly mixed the medication before pouring
-Removed the cap and place it upside down
-Held the bottle so the label is next to your palm and pour the medication
away from the label
-Placed medicine cup at eye level and fill it to the desired level, using the
bottom of the meniscus to align with the container scale
-Before the capping the bottle, wipe the lip with a paper towel
Placed the prepared medication and medication ticket on a medicine tray
Brought medications to the patient’s bedside carefully and keep the
medication in sight at all times
Ensured that the patient receives the medications at the correct time
ADMINISTERING ORAL MEDICATIONS
Prepared the client- verifying patient's identity
Completed necessary assessments before administering medications
Explained the purpose and action of each medication to the patient using
language that the client can understand. Include the relevant information
about the effects
Assisted the patient to a sitting position or if not possible to a side-lying
position
Administered the medication
Remained with the patient until each medication is swallowed. Never leave
the medication on patient’s bedside
Documented each medication given
Disposed all supplies appropriately
Evaluated the effects of the medication
Comments:
Rating: ________
Signature of Supervising Clinical Instructor: ________________________________________
Name: _______________________________________________________ Date: ___________________
PREPARING AND ADMINISTERING PARENTERAL MEDICATIONS
1 2 3 4 5
Assessed for:
Allergies to medications
Specific drug action, side effects, interactions and adverse reactions
Client's knowledge of and learning needs about the medication
Tissue integrity of the selected site; check agency protocol about sites to use
for skin tests
Client's age and weight to determine site and needle size
Client's ability or willingness to cooperate
Preparation:
Awareness of the patient
Assembled all supplies and equipment needed in a basic hypotray
observed correct time
recalled guiding principles
obtained appropriate medication
PREPARATION OF PARENTERAL MEDICATION
Gathered equipment
Checked each medication order against the original physician’s order
according to agency policy
Checked patient’s chart for allergies
Known the actions , special nursing considerations, safe dose ranges, purpose
administered
Performed hand hygiene
14
Obtained and prepare appropriate medication for one patient at a time

Prepared the required medication
VIAL
-Swabbed the rubber top with the antimicrobial swab and allow to dry
-Removed the cap from the needle
-Drawn back an amount of air equal to the specific dose of medication to be
withdrawn
-Held the vial on a flat surface. Pierce the rubber stopper in the center with
the needle tip and inject the measured air into the space above the solution,
do not inject air into the solution
-Inverted the vial. Keep the tip of the needle below the fluid level
-Held the vial in one hand and use the other to withdraw the medication
-Drawn up the prescribed amount of medication or solution while holding the
syringe vertically at eye level
-If any air bubbles accumulated in the syringe, tapped the barrel of the syringe
sharply and moved the needle past the fluid into the air space to reinjected
the air bubbles into the vial
-Returned the needle tip to the solution and continued withdrawal of the
medication
-After the correct dose is withdrawn, removed the needle from the vial and
carefully replaced the cap over the needle
Checked the amount of medication in the syringe with the medication ticket
and discard any surplus
AMPULE
- Flicked the upper stem of the ampule several times with fingernail
-Wrapped a small gauze pad around the neck of the ampule
-Used a snapping motion to break off the top of the ampule along the scored
line at its neck. Always break away from your body
-Disposed off the top of the ampule in the sharps container
-Withdrawn medication in the amount ordered
-Air is not injected into the solution
ADMINISTERING PARENTERAL MEDICATIONS
Prepared the required medication from an ampule or vial
Changed the needle on the syringe before the injection
Brought medications to the patient's bedside carefully and keep medications
in sight at all times
Prepared the client- verify patient's identity
-Completed necessary assessments before administering medications
Explained the purpose and action of each medication to the patient using
about the effects
Assisted the patient to a sitting position or if not possible to a side-lying
position depending on the chosen site. Obtain assistance in holding an
uncooperative client
Selected, located and cleanse the site
- selected a site free of skin lesions, tenderness, swelling, hardness or localized
inflammation and one that has not been used frequently
15
Identified the appropriate landmarks for the site chosen

Cleanse the area around the injection site with an antimicrobial swab. Used a
firm circular motion while moving outward from the injection site and allowed
the area to dry.
Prepared the syringe for injection by removing the needle cap by pulling it
straight off
INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION
-held the syringe in your dominant hand between the thumb and forefinger
-displaced the skin in a Z-track manner by pulling the skin down or one side
about 1” with your non dominant hand and hold the skin and tissue in this
position
-quickly dart the needle into the tissue so that the needle is perpendicular to
the patient's body. This should ensure that it is given using an angle of
injection between 72-90 degrees
-as soon as the needle is in place, use your thumb and forefinger of your non
dominant hand to hold the lower end of the syringe. Slide your dominant
hand to the end of the plunger
-aspirated by slowly (for at least 5 seconds) pulling back the plunger to
determine whether the needle is in a blood vessel. Watch for a flash of pink or
red in the syringe
-if no blood is aspirated, inject the solution slowly (10 seconds/ ml of
medication)
-Once the medication has been instilled wait for 10 seconds before
withdrawing the needle
-withdraw the needle smoothly and steadily at the same angle at which it was
inserted, supporting tissue around the injection site with your non dominant
hand
-apply gentle pressure at the site with dry cotton ball
SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION
-grasp the syringe in your dominant hand by holding it between your thumb
and fingers with palm facing to the side or upward for a 45-degree angle
insertion, prepare to inject
-using the non dominant hand pinch or spread the skin at the site and insert
the needle using the dominant hand and a firm steady push
-when the needle is inserted, move your non dominant hand to the end of the
plunger
-inject the medication by holding the syringe steady and depressing the
plunger with slow, even pressure
-remove the needle slowly and smoothly, pulling along the line of insertion
while depressing the skin with your non dominant hand
-using a cotton ball, apply gentle pressure to the site after the needle is
withdrawn. Do not massage the site
INTRADERMAL INJECTION
-use the non dominant hand to spread the skin taut over the injection site
-hold the syringe in the dominant hand between the thumb and forefinger
with the bevel of the needle up
-hold the syringe at a 10-15 degree angle from the site
-once the needle is in place, steady the lower end of the syringe, slide your
dominant hand to the end of the plunger
16
-slowly inject the agent while watching for a small wheal or blister to appear
-withdraw the needle quickly at the same angle that it was inserted, do not
massage after removing needle. Tell patient not to rub or scratch the sit
-draw the circle around around the perimeter of the injection site with ballpen
after patting the area with dry cotton ball
-do not recap the used needle, engage the safety shield or needle guard if
present. Discard the needle and syringe in the appropriate receptacle
-assist the patient to a position of comfort
-evaluate patient's response to medication within an appropriate time frame.
Assess site,if possible within 2-4 hours after administration. For intradermal
injection check the site 30 minutes after.
-document all relevant information: time of administration, drug name, dose,
route, client's reaction
Comments:
Rating: ________
17
Name: _______________________________________________________ Date: ___________________

ADMINISTERING RECTAL SUPPOSITORY
1 2 3 4 5
Assessed for:
When the client last defecated
presence of hemorrhoids, bleeding and irritation, rectal surgery
client's level of consciousness
the availability of medication
Planning:
Aware the patient
Procedure:
Gather equipment
Check each medication order against the original physician’s order according
to agency policy
Know the actions , special nursing considerations, safe dose ranges, purpose
administered
Obtain and prepare appropriate medication for one patient at a time
Place the prepared medication and medication ticket on a medicine tray
Bring medications to the patient’s bedside carefully and keep the medication
18

Ensure that the patient receives the medications at the correct time
Prepare the client
Complete necessary assessments before administering medications
Explain the purpose and action of each medication to the patient using
about the effects
Put on gloves
Assist patient to his or her left side in a Sim's position. Drape accordingly to
expose the buttocks only
Remove the suppository from its wrapper or container
Apply lubricant to the rounded end including the index finger of your
dominant hand
Separate the buttocks with your non dominant hand and instruct the patient
to breathe slowly and deeply through his or her mouth while the suppository
is being inserted
Using your index finger, inmsert the suppository, round end first, along the
rectal wall. Insert about 3”to 4”
Use a toilet tissue to clean any stool or lubricant from around the anus.
Release the buttocks. Encourage the patient to remain on his or her side for
atleast 5 minutes and retain the suppository for appropriate amount of time
for the specific medication
Evaluate patient's response to the procedure and medication
Comments:
Rating: ________
19
Name: _______________________________________________________ Date: ___________________

TOPICAL ADMINISTRATION
1 2 3 4 5
Assessed for:
The need for topical administration
The part is clean
Redness, rashes, swelling and discharges or abnormalities on the
administration site
Client's level of consciousness
Any history of allergy
Availability of medications
Planning:
Aware the patient
Procedure:
Gather equipment
Check each medication order against the original physician’s order according
to agency policy
Know the actions , special nursing considerations, safe dose ranges, purpose
administered
20
Obtain and prepare appropriate medication for one patient at a time

Prepare the required medicines if it is a powder, lotion, cream, ointments,
paste, spray, patch
Place the prepared medication and medication ticket on a medicine tray
Bring medications to the patient’s bedside carefully and keep the medication
Ensure that the patient receives the medications at the correct time
Prepare the client
Complete necessary assessments before administering medications
Explain the purpose and action of each medication to the patient using
about the effects
Assist the patient to a sitting position or if not possible to a side-lying position
or position of comfort
Before applying a dermatologic preparation , thoroughly clean the area with
soap and water and dry it with a patting motion
POWDER
- Make sure the skin surface is dry
- spread apart any skin folds and sprinkle the site until area is covered with a
fine thin layer
- cover the site with the dressing if ordered
CREAMS, OINTMENTS, PASTES, LOTION
-Warm and soften the preparation in gloved hands to make it easier to apply
and to prevent chilling
- smear it evenly over the skin using long strokes that follow the direction of
the hair growth
- explain that the skin may feel somewhat greasy after applications
- apply a sterile dressing if ordered by the primary care provider
AEROSOL SPRAY
- shake the container well to mix the contents
- hold the spray container at the recommended distance from the area
(6-12 inches
- cover the client's face with a towel if the upper chest or neck is to sprayed
- spray the medication over the specified area
PATCH
- select a clean, dry area that is free of hair
- remove the patch from its protective covering, holding it without touching
the adhesive edges and apply it by pressing firmly with the palm of the hand
about 10 seconds
- remove the patch at the appropriate time, folding the medicated side to the
inside so it is covered
Comments:
Rating: ________
Signature of Supervising Clinical Instructor: ______________________________________

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Name: _______________________________________________________ Date: ___________________