Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. 76 8. Administer medications with sufficient liquid (usually water) to: • Enhance the utilization of the drug as recommended by the product literature, • Dissolve or finely suspend particles of tablets, • Flush the tube of residue, • Reduce the osmolality of concentrated medications, and • Avoid overdistention of stomach or intestinal contents. 9. Simplify procedures for home use for practicality, limitations of the caregiver, and accessibility and economy of the equipment. 10. Confirm the appropriateness of administration via tube with a pharmacist if there is any doubt. PROCEDURE: 1. Wash hands. 2 Pour or draw up each liquid medication separately. 3. Crush tablets into fine powder and remove thoroughly from container. Avoid pounding or splattering particles outside container. 4. Elevate head 30-45 degrees. 5. Ensure placement and patency of enteral tube. 6. Fit administration syringe to tube before unclamping tube, and fill syringe partially with water. 7. Administer liquid medications first, and follow them with water. 8. Mix crushed medications in syringe which is partially filled with water. Gently agitate mixture while administering quickly. 9. When medication administration is complete, flush contents of syringe and tube with 30 - 60 cc water. 10. Reclamp, plug, or reconnect tube to feeding. 11. Clean and store equipment. 12. Syringes should be cleaned and stored in a clean, dry manner. DOCUMENTATION: Document patient/caregiver teaching and response to teaching on the Clinical Visit Note. Document patient tolerance to procedure and any physician or pharmacist communication. ____________________________________________________