Component Task: Administration of Oral Medications (Tablets, Capsules, Caplets Etc.)

Administration of Oral Medications (Tablets, Capsules, Caplets Etc.)

Enteral medications are administered through the oral, sublingual and buccal routes. These medications come in the form of either tablets, capsule, caplets or mixtures. In oral administration the medication is mostly swallowed whilst with sublingual, the medication is placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve whereas with buccal, the medication is placed in between the cheek and allowed to dissolve.

Aims

·         Therapeutic effect

·         Investigation and examination

·         Prophylactic effect

Requirements

a.      A tray containing the following:

·         Medication

·         Drinking cup

·         Bottle of water

·         Spoon in a saucer or measuring cup

·         Medication Treatment Chart (Manual or Electronic)

·         Pill-crushing device if necessary

Steps

1.        Check for the right patient, right medication, right time, right dose against doctor’s order and treatment chart (manual or electronic) as well as the expiry date

2.      Establish rapport (Refer to steps)

3.      Explain procedure to patient and ensure patient’s right to know/consent and to refuse

4.      Perform hand hygiene

5.      Prepare and send tray to the bedside

6.      Read the label on the package and compare with patient’s treatment chart (manual or electronic)

7.       Take out the medication and compare with the patient treatment chart (manual or electronic) for the dosage

8.      Pour out water into a drinking cup if it is to be administered orally

9.      Take the tablet with a spoon

10.    Give the tablet to the patient and ensure patient:

a.      Swallow with the aid of water if it is to be administered orally

b.      Place the medication under the tongue and allow to dissolve if it is to be administered sublingually

c.      Place the medication in between the cheeks and allow to dissolve if it is to be administered buccally

11.      Stay with patient until all medications are taken

12.    Engage patient in a brief conversation to assess if all medications are swallowed or retained in the mouth

13.    Congratulate patient and make him/her assume a desirable position

14.    Observe patient for any adverse reaction

15.    Encourage patient to report any adverse reaction

16.    Dispose off used items

17.    Perform hand hygiene

18.    Document procedure in the nurses’ note and chart on treatment chart (manual or electronic)

19.    Check on patient after thirty (30) minutes for therapeutic effect