Oral Medications

Assisting With Oral Medications

Material needed:

Oral medications
Teaspoon or tablespoon
Glass of water
Straw, if needed

Procedure:

Explain what you are going to do
Check care plan and medication sheet
Wash your hands
Obtain material listed above
Help client to wash hands
Check labels on each prescription or on each prepoured medication for

Right drug
Right dose
Right client
Right route
Right time

Loosen lid on container if client is unable to do so. Tell the client the name of each medication
Place containers where client can reach them or hand container to client. Let client read name of medication to you. Be sure client is wearing eyeglasses if needed to read
Assist client with oral medication:

give sip of water to moisten mouth
support hand as necessary to pour medication
give a full glass of water or other cool liquid after client puts medication in mouth
remind client to lower chin while swallowing

Close containers
Have client record medication taken. The caregiver can record if the client is unable
Store material and medications in proper location
Wash your hands
Record what you have done. Report any abnormal conditions to the nurse or family member