Procedure of route of administration
The procedure of route of administration refers to the method by which a medication or substance is introduced into the body. This can include various routes such as oral, topical, injectable, inhalation, and others. The procedure for each route of administration may differ slightly, but generally, the steps involved are as follows:
1. Oral Route:
- Obtain the medication in the appropriate form, such as a tablet, capsule, or liquid.
- For tablets or capsules, swallow the medication with water.
- For liquid medications, measure the correct dose using a measuring device and consume orally.
- Follow any specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider or written on the medication label.
- Ensure proper storage of the medication after administration.
2. Topical Route:
- Clean the area where the medication will be applied, if necessary.
- If using a cream or ointment, apply a thin layer to the skin and gently rub it in.
- If using a patch, remove the backing and apply the patch to a clean and dry area of the skin.
- Follow any specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider or written on the medication label.
- Ensure proper storage of the medication after administration.
3. Injectable Route:
- Prepare the medication by following the instructions on the packaging, such as mixing a powder with a diluent or drawing up a liquid medication into a syringe.
- Select an appropriate site for injection, such as the upper arm, thigh, or buttock.
- Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab.
- Insert the needle into the injection site at the appropriate angle and depth, and slowly inject the medication.
- Remove the needle carefully and dispose of it properly in a sharps container.
- Follow any specific injection technique or instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
- Ensure proper storage of the medication after administration.
4. Inhalation Route:
- Obtain the appropriate device for inhalation, such as an inhaler, nebulizer, or spacer.
- Load the device with the correct medication, as prescribed by the healthcare provider.
- If using an inhaler, shake the device and remove the cap.
- Breathe out completely, place the mouthpiece of the inhaler between the lips, and seal the lips around it.
- Inhale deeply and hold the breath for a few seconds.
- Breathe out slowly and repeat if necessary.
- Follow any specific inhalation technique or instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
- Ensure proper storage of the medication and cleaning of the inhalation device after use.
It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider and carefully read the instructions provided with the medication before administering any route to ensure safe and effective usage.