Administering oral medications

• Administering Oral Medications


  1. Assess client's ability to swallow and contraindications

  2. Ascertain drug classification, contraindications, dosage, side effects, nursing considerations

  3. Check MAR/CMAR, assess medical history, allergies, medication history, diet history

  4. Gather and review assessment and lab data

  5. Assess client's knowledge, drug use problems

  6. Assess client's preference for fluids

  7. Assess whether medication can be administered with preferred liquid
• Preparing materials

  • Medication to be administered
  • Tablet splitter, crushers or oral syringe
  • Drinking glass and water
  • Disposable medication cups
  • Straws (optional)
  • Medication Administration Record (MAR)
• Preparing medications

  1. Obtain appropriate medication

  2. Compare label against order on MAR/CMAR, check expiration date, perform calculations

  3. For unit dose package: Place in disposable cup, keep narcotics/special meds separate

  4. For multi-dose containers: Pour needed pills into cap, place in cup, break scored tablets if needed

  5. For liquid medication: Gently shake container, remove cap, place cap upside down
• Administering medications

  1. Bring medications to patient's bedside and keep in sight

  2. Wash hands

  3. Identify patient using two identifiers

  4. Explain procedure and purpose to patient and family

  5. Provide privacy

  6. Re-check medication against MAR at bedside

  7. Complete essential assessments, check allergy bracelet, explain purpose and action

  8. Assist patient to upright or lateral position

  9. Administer medication, offer water or permitted fluids

  10. Stay with patient until medication is swallowed, ask to open mouth if uncertain

  11. Help patient return to comfortable position, dispose of supplies, wash hands
• Evaluating medications

  1. Record each medication given

  2. Return to patient when medication is expected to take effect, evaluate effects

  3. Observe for desired effect (e.g. pain relief, decrease in temperature)

  4. Note any adverse or side effects (e.g. nausea, vomiting, skin rash, vital sign changes)