Skill 46
Oral Medications
Patients are usually able to ingest or self-administer oral medications with few problems. If oral medications are contraindicated (e.g., inability to swallow, gastric suction), take precautions to protect patients from aspiration. Nurses usually prepare medications in areas designed for medication preparation or at unit-dose carts.
Delegation Considerations
The skill of administering oral medications cannot be delegated to nursing assistive personnel (NAP). The nurse directs the NAP about:
