Overview
This section explains the basic concepts and devices used for measuring and administering medications in nursing, focusing on medication cups and different types of syringes. Understanding these tools is essential for accurate and safe medication administration.
Medication Cups
- Medication cups are available in plastic or paper and are used to hold and dispense oral medications to patients.
- Paper medication cups are typically used for nonliquid medications, such as tablets or capsules.
- Plastic medication cups can be used for both liquid and nonliquid medications. They are also available in calibrated versions for measuring liquid doses.
- Calibrated medication cups have labeled measurements, including ounces (oz), cubic centimeters (cc), milliliters (mL), teaspoons (tsp), and tablespoons (Tbs), to ensure accurate dosing.
- Using the correct type of medication cup helps prevent medication errors and ensures patients receive the correct dose.
Oral Syringes
- Oral syringes are designed for administering liquid medications by mouth, especially when precise measurement of small doses is required, such as for children.
- These syringes have tips that are different from those used for injections, which helps prevent accidental intravenous administration.
- Oral medication syringes are often orange and have a tip that cannot be connected to an intravenous injection port, adding an extra layer of safety.
- Oral syringes come in various sizes to accommodate different medication volumes and dosing needs.
Parenteral Syringes
- Syringes for parenteral administration are used to deliver medications through routes such as intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous.
- There are also syringes specifically made for oral medication administration, which are distinct from those used for injections.
- Parenteral syringes are available in a range of sizes, typically from 1 mL to 60 mL, and are selected based on the type of injection and the medication being administered.
- Two common types of syringe tips are:
- Luer lock syringes: Have a threaded tip that screws into an injection port for a secure connection.
- Slip tip syringes: Do not have a locking mechanism and are attached by sliding onto the device; commonly found in Foley catheter kits.
- Syringes are calibrated according to their size:
- 1-mL syringes: calibrated in hundredths
- 3-mL syringes: calibrated in tenths
- 5-, 10-, and 12-mL syringes: calibrated in fifths (two tenths)
- 60-mL syringes: calibrated in whole numbers
- Selecting the correct syringe size and calibration is important for accurate medication dosing.
Special Syringes
- Insulin syringes are designed specifically for insulin administration and are calibrated in units rather than milliliters.
- These syringes are easily identified by their standard orange cap, which helps prevent confusion with other types of syringes.
- Using the correct syringe for insulin is critical for patient safety and accurate dosing.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Medication Cup: A small plastic or paper cup used to dispense oral medications.
- Oral Syringe: A syringe designed to measure and administer medications via the oral route.
- Syringe: A medical device used to administer parenteral medication into tissue or the bloodstream.
- Luer Lock Syringe: A syringe with a threaded tip that screws into an injection port for secure attachment.
- Slip Tip Syringe: A syringe without a locking mechanism, attached by sliding onto devices.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the different types and uses of medication cups and syringes, including their specific features and calibrations.
- Practice identifying and selecting the appropriate measuring device for various medication administration scenarios.
- Ensure familiarity with the safety features of oral and parenteral syringes to prevent medication errors.
- Reinforce understanding of the importance of using the correct syringe type, especially for specialized medications like insulin.