Preparing and Administering Oral Tablet and Liquid Medications

Oral medications are the route most preferred by patients and are one of the most commonly used routes of medication administration by providers. Most oral preparations are taken by mouth, swallowed with fluid, and absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract. Oral medications are available in solid forms (e.g., tablets, capsules, caplets, and enteric-coated tablets) and liquids forms (e.g., syrups, elixirs, spirits, and suspensions). Most oral medications have a slower onset of action and, in the case of liquids and swallowed oral medications, may also have a more prolonged effect. Enteric-coated tablets are covered with material that prevents dissolution and absorption until the tablet reaches the small intestine. Additional oral medication routes (not shown in this video) include sublingual administration, in which the preparation is placed under the tongue to dissolve, and buccal administration, which involves placing the medication in the cheek area between the gums and mucus membranes to dissolve.

When preparing and administering oral tablets and liquid medications, the nurse must consider whether the medication is appropriate given the patient's medical conditions, medication allergies, and current clinical status and when previous doses of the medication have been administered. Patients with altered gastrointestinal function (e.g., vomiting and nausea) should not be given oral medications, since they would not be able to retain them. Oral medications are contraindicated in patients that are unconscious, uncooperative, or unable to swallow due to a medical problem. Medication administration also requires the nurse to be knowledgeable about the medication purpose, adverse effects, and patient preferences. This demonstration will present how to prepare and administer oral medications in both tablet and liquid forms (most common), including the five "rights," and will discuss medication documentation.

1. General medication administration considerations (review in the room, with the patient).

1. Upon first entering the patient's room, wash hands with soap and warm water, and apply vigorous friction for at least 20 s. Hand sanitizers may be used if the hands are not visibly soiled, but vigorous friction should also be applied.
2. At the bedside computer, log into the patient's electronic health record and review the patient's medical history and previous administration times. Verify with the .......

This video demonstration presented the verification and administration of oral medication, including tablets, capsules, and liquid preparations. Because dosage variations in the institutional pharmacy may be limited, it is important for the nurse to verify that the correct medication dose is obtained from the medication dispensing device and is prepared according to the dose indicated in the patient's MAR. For example, if a patient had been ordered a dose of 30 mg, but the institutional pharmacy only had 20-mg tablet.......