12.12.6: Procedure- Checking the Right Route
The route for medication means the method by which the patient will take the medication. Routes for taking medications can include the: mouth, ear, eye, rectum, inhalation, and vagina.
- Wash hands.
- Read the container label on the medication bottle.
- Check the route for taking the medication listed on the bottle against the route specified in the Care Plan. If they are the same proceed to hand the bottle to the patient and/or assist with administration as trained and ordered on the Care Plan.
- If they are not the same, STOP! Do not proceed further.
- Contact a supervisor for further instructions.
- Explain the reason for this to the patient. It is important to take medications the appropriate way.
- Record and report any problem about the medication in question to a supervisor.