Question

In the following table provide a short explanation of how each form of medication is handled, administered and stored.

Form of medication	How it is handled	How it is administered	How it is stored
Capsule
Drops
Inhalant
Liquid
Lotions and creams
Ointments
Patches
Powders
Tablets
Wafers
Pessary
Suppository

Jemima was very busy today. When she did the medications round she tried her best to do everything in line with policy and procedures but she was seriously short of time. She was distracted after giving Mrs Flowers her evening medication and she forgot to record it on her medication chart.

1. What are three possible consequences of this?

1.

2.

3.

Answer 1

Answer:

Capsule

Capsule should not be chewed, breaked or opened. it should be administered by mouth( oral) as it is by a conscious patient with swallowing ability. if the patient is unconscious or having problem with swalloing, capsules can be opened and mixed with fluid and administer through orogastric or nasogastric tube. Capsules should be kept out of reach of children .Store always in its original containers and keep it in a cool, dry place, because heat can damage capsule.

Drops

Drops should always kept closed and dont put any drops which was kept open to prevent contamination.It can be administerd through eyes, ears, or mouth( infant oral drops)as presribed. Take out the cap of drops and gently squees the drop to the eyes or ears. For oral drops, better to use the dropper.It should be stored in dry cool place or in fridge if indicated with label stating date of open.most of the drops are used for one month after open it.

Inhalants

Always advise the patient to keep the inhalants at their convinience if self administering.Inhalants can be administerd through mouth or nose. if it is oral inhalant, place the mouth piece of the inhalant in mouth tightly and press the inhaler or open the mouth and press the inhaler. if it is nasal, place the inhalerat the nostrils and press it. advise the patient to take deep breath and hold it for 2-5 seconds.Inhalants should be stored at room temperature, out of reach of children

Liquids

Place the liquids in special cabin to prevent any fall or spillage .Liquids/syrups should always be administered by mouth.Always use a measuring cup. it should be kept out of reach of children

Lotions or creams

Keep thee lotions out of contamination.Gently apply it on the skin. avoid putting on the wound. Usually it is advised to keep in room temperature.place the label of opened date, can be stored for one monthafter open.

Ointments.

Squees the tube and apply it where indicated

Patches

Some patches may contain controlled medication, so special prescription needed in this case. Skin or area should be free from hair ,other accessories , medicine ports etc. it is administered trasdermaly( over the skin). change the site on next administration, to avoid skin irritation. never put heating pads over the patch, it will affect the absorption.Use the patch only for the prescribed time.it should be stored at room temperature.

Powders

Powder form of oral medicines are always coming in sachet or in tub. mix the sachet in glass of water and allow to drink it. one mixed , it should not be kept for the next dose. powder for injections should be mixed with the solvant whixch comes along with it and administered intravenously. Powder for skin is for local aplication.place it in a dry area.

Tablets

Always keep the tablets in its original container or in its full strip. Tablets are administered by mouth with glass of water. as it is or crushed .and it should be kept in dry place, donot use the tablets if it is soiled

WafersTry to keep the wafers in blister pack for durability. sublingual wafers can be kept under the tongue until it dissolve

Pessary.

It is intended only for vaginal use , not to be administer by other route( anal) .it can be put using fingers or aplicator.it should be stored at cool dry place.

Suppository

Suppository can be inserted through anal or vaginal as prescribed.it can be inserted by fingers,Check the area ( anal) for any wound or irritations before administrationIt should be kept in the fridge

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE 7 RIGHT OF MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION FOR ALL MEDICATION.