Medication Administration Routes Flashcards
6 cards from real QMAP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Medication Administration Routes flashcards as text
A resident is prescribed both eye drops and eye ointment for the same eye. In what order should they be administered?
Answer: Drops first, then ointment
Eye drops first because ointment creates a barrier that prevents drop absorption.
What special consideration applies to metered-dose inhaler (MDI) administration?
Answer: Exhale fully, then inhale slowly and deeply while activating, then hold breath about 10 seconds
Proper technique requires exhaling first, slow deep inhalation coordinated with activation, followed by a breath hold.
Which route of administration has the fastest onset of action?
Answer: Intravenous
IV delivers directly into the bloodstream with essentially immediate effect.
A resident has difficulty swallowing tablets. What is the BEST initial approach?
Answer: Check with the pharmacist about alternative forms
Consult the pharmacist first since some medications cannot be safely crushed or opened.
When applying a transdermal patch, why must the old patch be removed first?
Answer: Leaving old patches on causes double dosing and potential toxicity
Two patches simultaneously deliver double the dose, which can cause dangerous overdose.
A medication is ordered "PO." What route does this indicate?
Answer: By mouth (per os)
PO stands for "per os," Latin for "by mouth" - the most common administration route.