Medication
Route
Time
Client
Dosage
Documentation
Oral
By mouth
By Gastric tube
By Nasogastric tube
Buccal
Sublingual
Topical - to treat skin or mucous membrane (oral, nasal, ear, eye, vaginal, rectal)
Transdermal - for systemic dosage
Parenteral
Intradermal - testing
Subcutaneous
Intramuscular
Intravenous medications, RN only
Direct intravenous push
Intermittent "piggy back"
Continuous infusion
Only administer meds you have prepared
Know the purpose and expected outcomes
Do not leave meds at bedside
Check armband before administering
Some meds need checking by another nurse
IM injections - no more than 3ml at one site
Consult with supervisor or MD if dosage is outside of recommended range
Do not administer medications calculated by someone else except pharmacist
Extra caution with pediatric patients
IV pump does not replace the responsibility of the nurse
Wear gloves for parenteral injections
Wash hands before beginning medication pass
Keep medication cart clean
If you do more than hand the pills to a patient, wash hands before leaving the room
Wear gloves if helping put pills in mouth