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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: Explain the difference in various routes of oral medication Define various preparations of oral medications Demonstrate accurately the steps in medication administration Medication administration routes refer to the way in which medications are given to the patient. The most common route of medication administration is the oral route (Ralston, 2018). Medications administered via the oral route may be supplied in a variety of forms. Depending on the drug and medication form, there are implications for practice that the nurse must be aware of and must follow. Following these implications are essential for nursing practice, because there are legal ramifications for not following the proper administration practices and techniques, including documenting the administration of medications. Within this section, we will explore aspects of proper administration for oral medications. Clinical Safety and Procedures (QSEN) QSEN Competency: Administering Oral Medications See the competency checklist for Administering Oral Medications. You can find the checklists on the Student resources tab of your book page on openstax.org. Routes of Oral Medication Administering medications via the oral route is simple and convenient. It is a widely acceptable route of administration that is the method by which most medications are administered in the home setting. Medications administered orally may begin in the mouth, enter the stomach, and usually end in the small intestine. While the oral route is the overarching umbrella, there are additional routes that fall under the oral umbrella, such as sublingual, buccal, and feeding tubes. Oral Medications ordered to be administered via the oral route (per os, or PO) are to be taken by mouth. After being swallowed, the medication is most often absorbed in the small intestine. Absorption of oral medications may be affected by factors such as the presence of gastric acid, food intake, absorption through the small bowel, and metabolism by liver enzymes (also known as first-pass drug metabolism) (Kim & De Jesus, 2023). Oral medications have a slow onset, typically about thirty to sixty minutes after administration. Sublingual Medications ordered to be administered via the sublingual route are placed under the tongue (Figure 12.2). These medications dissolve rapidly into the bloodstream for fast absorption and are not affected by first-pass drug metabolism, where the liver metabolizes or chemically alters the medication before it reaches the systemic circulation. Sublingual medications may be affected by eating, drinking, and smoking; therefore,
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