2.3 Drug Administration Routes, Preparation, and Administration
3 min read•june 18, 2024
Drug administration routes are crucial in determining how medications work in the body. From oral pills to injections, each method has unique advantages and considerations. Understanding these routes helps healthcare providers choose the most effective way to deliver medications for optimal patient outcomes.
Proper technique is essential for safe and effective drug administration. Whether it's giving an injection, applying a topical cream, or using an inhaler, following correct procedures ensures patients receive the right dose and experience minimal discomfort. Nurses play a key role in administering medications and educating patients about their treatments.
Drug Administration Routes
Drug administration routes
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delivers medication directly to lungs via inhalation rapid onset of action targets respiratory system
Examples include (albuterol) (ipratropium) (fluticasone)
Various affect absorption and administration route choice
Sites for parenteral therapy
(SC) injection sites outer aspect of upper arm anterior abdomen upper back anterior thigh
Intramuscular (IM) injection sites muscle (upper arm) site (hip) (lateral thigh) site (buttocks) less preferred due to risk of sciatic nerve injury
Factors affecting site selection
Absorption rate muscle tissue has more blood supply than subcutaneous tissue leading to faster absorption
Patient comfort rotate injection sites to minimize discomfort tissue damage
Medication properties certain medications may require specific administration routes (insulin typically given SC)
Patient's age mobility body composition consider ease of access amount of subcutaneous or muscle tissue available
Plan for effective drug administration
Patient assessment review medication order verify patient identity assess allergies contraindications vital signs evaluate appropriateness of medication dose route timing
Medication preparation gather necessary supplies equipment perform hand hygiene use personal protective equipment (PPE) follow double-check medication label dose expiration date
Post-administration monitoring assess patient's response to medication monitor for adverse reactions or side effects document administration including time dose route relevant observations
Provide on medication purpose, expected effects, and potential side effects
Techniques for medication delivery
ensure upright position offer water or liquids to aid swallowing observe to confirm medication swallowed
Subcutaneous use new sterile needle syringe clean injection site with alcohol swab using circular motion stretch or pinch skin insert needle at 90-degree angle (SC) or appropriate angle (IM) aspirate to check for blood return (IM only) inject medication slowly steadily apply gentle pressure with gauze after removing needle
Intravenous administration use aseptic technique when preparing administering IV medications assess IV site for patency signs of phlebitis use appropriate equipment (pumps tubing filters) flush IV line with saline before and after medication administration
Topical administration wear gloves to prevent contamination protect healthcare provider apply medication evenly to affected area following package instructions cover with dressing if needed
Inhalation administration ensure upright position instruct patient to exhale fully before inhaling place inhaler mouthpiece in mouth seal lips coordinate actuation with inhalation hold breath for 5-10 seconds after inhalation rinse mouth with water after using corticosteroid inhalers to prevent oral thrush ()
Medication Safety and Pharmacokinetics
Understanding helps predict drug behavior and optimize dosing
Be aware of potential that may affect efficacy or safety
Implement strategies to prevent , such as double-checking orders and using barcode scanning
Monitor for and report them promptly to ensure patient safety