Assisting With Oral Medications

Material needed:

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

Procedure:

1. Explain what you are going to do
2. Check care plan and medication sheet
3. Wash your hands
4. Obtain material listed above
5. Help client to wash hands
6. Check labels on each prescription or on each prepoured medication for
   1. Right drug
   2. Right dose
   3. Right client
   4. Right route
   5. Right time

7. Loosen lid on container if client is unable to do so. Tell the client the name of each medication
8. 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
9. 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

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