What is the correct way to administer sublingual medication?

What is the correct way to administer sublingual medication?

• A. Ask the resident to chew it
• B. Ask the resident to swallow it quickly
• C. Ask the resident to place it under his tongue
• D. Ask the resident to dissolve it in water

Answer: (C)

The correct way to administer sublingual medication is to ask the resident to place it under the tongue. This method is effective because sublingual medications are designed to be absorbed quickly through the mucous membranes located beneath the tongue. This allows for rapid entry into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and liver, which can otherwise delay absorption and reduce the medication's effectiveness. When placed under the tongue, the medication dissolves and is absorbed directly into the circulatory system. This route is often preferred for medications that need to act quickly, as well as for those that may be inactivated by stomach acid. Options that suggest chewing or swallowing the medication are not appropriate for sublingual administration because they disrupt the intended absorption process. Chewing it would result in breaking down the medication, and swallowing it could lead to a longer absorption time and reduced effectiveness. Dissolving the medication in water is also not appropriate for sublingual medications, as this could alter the way the medication is meant to work and potentially lead to ineffective dosing.

The correct way to administer sublingual medication is to ask the resident to place it under the tongue. This method is effective because sublingual medications are designed to be absorbed quickly through the mucous membranes located beneath the tongue. This allows for rapid entry into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and liver, which can otherwise delay absorption and reduce the medication's effectiveness.

When placed under the tongue, the medication dissolves and is absorbed directly into the circulatory system. This route is often preferred for medications that need to act quickly, as well as for those that may be inactivated by stomach acid.

Options that suggest chewing or swallowing the medication are not appropriate for sublingual administration because they disrupt the intended absorption process. Chewing it would result in breaking down the medication, and swallowing it could lead to a longer absorption time and reduced effectiveness. Dissolving the medication in water is also not appropriate for sublingual medications, as this could alter the way the medication is meant to work and potentially lead to ineffective dosing.