Medication Preparation
Medication Preparation - Related Videos
08:14
Preparing and Administering Inhaled Medications
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2016
Source: Madeline Lassche, MSNEd, RN and Katie Baraki, MSN, RN, College of Nursing, University of Utah, UT Inhaled medications are prescribed for conditions affecting the bronchi, which branch off of the trachea, and bronchioles, which are progressively smaller conducting airways spread throughout the lung tissue. These conditions can be classified as acute (i.e., temporary, with quick onset) or chronic (i.e., persistent and/or recurrent symptoms lasting months to years). Common acute conditions...
08:54
Preparing and Administering Subcutaneous Medications
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2017
Source: Madeline Lassche, MSNEd, RN and Katie Baraki, MSN, RN, College of Nursing, University of Utah, UT Subcutaneous medication administration is a parenteral approach to administer small amounts of medication (less than 2 mL) into the layer of tissue just below the skin. Common medications administered via the subcutaneous route include anticoagulant medications, such as heparin or enoxaparin; epinephrine administered for allergic reactions; insulin; and some immunizations. Subcutaneous...
11:44
Preparing and Administering Topical Medications
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2017
Source: Madeline Lassche, MSNEd, RN and Katie Baraki, MSN, RN, College of Nursing, University of Utah, UT Topical medications are applied directly to the body surfaces, including the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes, ears, nose, vagina, and rectum. There are many classes of topical medications, such as creams, ointments, lotions, patches, and aerosol sprays. Medications that are applied to the skin to produce a slow, controlled, systemic effect are also referred to as transdermal.
12:07
Preparing and Administering IV Push Medications
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2017
Source: Madeline Lassche, MSNEd, RN and Katie Baraki, MSN, RN, College of Nursing, University of Utah, UT An intravenous (IV) push is the rapid administration of a small volume of medication into a patient's vein via a previously inserted IV catheter. Preparations for IV push administration are commonly provided in vials or ampules for withdrawal into a syringe. This method is used when a rapid response to a medication is required, or when the medication cannot be administered via the oral...
13:04
Preparing and Administering Enteric Tube Medications
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2017
Source: Madeline Lassche, MSNEd, RN and Katie Baraki, MSN, RN, College of Nursing, University of Utah, UT An enteric tube is a tube that is inserted and passed into the stomach or intestines. Enteric tubes serve multiple purposes, including stomach decompression (through the removal of air, gastric contents, and secretions), enteric feeding, and/or the administration of medications or oral contrast. Enteric tubes are indicated for patients with impaired swallowing and for patients with...
FAQs
These checks connect the prescribed treatment to the correct patient and intended administration conditions. Reviewing the drug, dose, route, and timing helps identify mismatches before preparation is complete, while confirming the patient reduces the risk of preparing medication for the wrong individual. In clinical practice, this sequence creates a structured safety barrier against preventable administration errors.
Calculation determines the amount required, while dilution changes the medication into a suitable concentration or volume for administration. Reconstitution restores a medication to a usable form when it is supplied in another state. Each process must follow the prescription and preparation requirements because inaccurate measurements or incomplete mixing can alter the intended dose and compromise treatment reliability.
Clean technique helps limit contamination while the medication is being measured, transferred, diluted, reconstituted, or packaged. Product integrity means preserving the medication in its intended condition throughout preparation. Together, these controls support safe delivery and help ensure that the prepared product remains appropriate for administration in hospitals, pharmacies, and outpatient clinical settings.
The preparation process begins with the prescription and the required patient, drug, dose, route, and timing checks. The preparer then determines whether measuring, dilution, reconstitution, or packaging is needed and selects a technique that maintains cleanliness and product integrity. Reviewing these elements before handling the medication establishes the conditions for accurate and organized preparation.
A practical workflow follows the order of interpreting the prescription, confirming the patient and medication details, calculating the required amount, and performing any needed measurement or transformation. The prepared medication should then be readied in its intended form and clearly labeled. This organized sequence supports standardized checks and makes the final product easier to identify before administration.
Medication preparation is used across hospitals, pharmacies, and outpatient care, where medicines may require different forms of measurement, dilution, reconstitution, or packaging. Its clinical value extends beyond producing a usable dose: consistent preparation practices support infection control, reduce dosing and administration errors, and promote reliable delivery of the prescribed treatment.