Medication Administration Routes Flashcards

A resident is prescribed a sublingual medication. What is the correct instruction for the Certified Medical Technician (CMT) to provide to the resident?

Answer: Place the medication under your tongue and allow it to dissolve.

The sublingual route involves placing medication under the tongue to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. This route bypasses the digestive system for rapid effect. Placing it between the cheek and gum is the buccal route, while swallowing is the oral route.

When applying a medicated cream to a resident's skin, which of the following actions is a critical part of the correct procedure?

Answer: Wear gloves and apply a thin, even layer to clean, dry skin.

Proper procedure for applying topical medications like creams includes performing hand hygiene, wearing gloves to prevent contamination and self-exposure, ensuring the resident's skin is clean and dry, and applying a thin, even layer of the medication. Applying a thick layer can be wasteful and is not indicated unless specifically ordered. Vigorous rubbing can irritate the skin, and medication should not be applied to broken or irritated skin unless specifically directed by the physician's order.

A resident with asthma is due for their medication administered via a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). Which instruction is essential for the CMT to give the resident to ensure the medication is delivered effectively?

Answer: "Shake the inhaler well before use and take a slow, deep breath as you press the canister."

For effective medication delivery from an MDI, the canister must be shaken well to mix the medication and propellant. The resident should then inhale slowly and deeply at the same time the canister is pressed to draw the medication deep into the lungs. Holding the breath for about 10 seconds after inhalation allows the medication to settle in the airways. Inhaling too quickly can cause the medication to deposit in the mouth or throat. If a second puff is needed, the resident should wait 20-30 seconds between puffs of the same medication.

A resident has a physician's order for an oral tablet, but they are currently experiencing nausea and vomiting. What is the most appropriate action for the CMT to take?

Answer: Withhold the medication and report the resident's symptoms to the nurse.

The oral route is contraindicated for a resident who is actively vomiting, as they will be unable to keep the medication down, leading to an incorrect or missed dose. The CMT's primary responsibility is to ensure safe medication administration. The most appropriate and safest action is to withhold the dose, document the reason, and immediately report the resident's condition to the supervising licensed nurse for further assessment and instructions.

Which of the following medication administration routes is typically outside the scope of practice for a Certified Medication Technician (CMT)?

Answer: Intramuscular (IM)

The scope of practice for a CMT is generally limited to non-parenteral routes of administration. Parenteral routes involve injection into the body. Intramuscular (IM) is a parenteral route where medication is injected into a muscle. Oral, transdermal, and otic routes are all non-parenteral and are within the typical duties of a CMT.

A medication that is administered by placing it between the resident's cheek and gum is delivered via which route?

Answer: Buccal

The buccal route of administration involves placing a medication in the buccal pouch, which is the area between the cheek and the gum. The medication dissolves and is absorbed through the mucous membranes directly into the bloodstream. This is different from the sublingual route (under the tongue) and the oral route (swallowed).