IPH - Hour 3 - Routes of Administration

Textbook Readings
Roache and Ford: Chapter 2
Wilkinson and Van Leuven: Chapter 23

Drugs are introduced into the body by several routes. They may be swallowed, injected, inhaled, or absorbed in an orifice. Drugs may also be absorbed through the skin. The determination of the administered route is dependent upon several factors.

Properties of the medication. Some medications are destroyed by gastric contents and cannot be swallowed. Other medications cannot safely be injected.

Desired effect of the medication. Injected drugs generally work faster than medications that are swallowed. Sometimes it is desirable for a medication to be slowly absorbed through the skin over a long period of time. Creams, lotions, and even inhalants cause a local effect rather than a systemic effect.

Physical and mental condition of the patient. Patients who are unconscious are unable to safely swallow. A patient with who is vomiting will not keep oral medications down. A patient with diarrhea will not absorb rectal suppositories well. Lotions, creams, and patches cannot be applied to tattooed areas.

Most medications are available in more than one route. It is the nurse's responsibility to obtain an order for the most appropriate route. It is also the nurse's responsibility to understand appropriate nursing actions associated with the different routes.

Routes of Administration

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