ABSORPTION

ABSORPTIONCynthia ShehanAngela BarrLaura HarpKelcey NewberrySept. 2015

WHAT IS ABSORPTION?Absorption is the movement of a drug from the point of administration to the bloodstream.The rate of absorption is how quickly the drug will take effect.The amount of absorption determines the intensity of the effect.

Why is absorption important to the nurse?

Patient history, medical health and vitals must be considered before administering drugs. As well as continued monitoring for drug response and possible side effects.

A nurses understanding of ABSORPTION benefits the patients well-being, safety and prevents potential adverse reactions.

THREE PRIMARY ROUTES OF ADMINISTRATION

OralIM (Intramuscular)IV (Intravenous)

ORAL ADMINISTRATIONOral Administration is taking drugs by mouth which then travels to the stomach and intestines for absorptionFactors influencing oral absorption rateSolubility of drug pH of the GI TractAmount of food in the stomachSpecial coating of drugsCo-administration of drugs (polypharmacy)

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ORAL ADMINISTRATIONAdvantagesConvenientEasyEconomicalSafeDisadvantagesSlowest rate of absorptionDrug can be inactivatedPatient must be conscious and cooperativeDrugs can irritate the GI tract

IM (INTRAMUSCULAR) ADMINISTRATIONThe absorption rate may be rapid or gradual depending on the chemical make up of a drug.Drugs with a high water solubility can be absorbed within 10-30 minutes.Absorption is quicker in IM than subcutaneous because muscle tissue has a greater blood supply than directly under the skinAn injection given directly into the muscle

BARRIERS TO IM ABSORPTIONCapillary wall

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IM ADMINISTRATIONAdvantagesIM injections allow the use of drugs with poor solubilityDisadvantagesCan be painfulCan cause discomfortCan cause nerve damageBleeding can occur

IV (INTRAVENOUS)ABSORPTIONAdministered directly into the bloodstreamFastest route of administrationThere are no barriers to absorption

IV (INTRAVENOUS)ADMINISTRATIONAdvantagesImmediate effectCan be used in emergenciesCan be used if patient is unconscious or uncooperativeLarge volumes of fluids can be administeredDisadvantagesIrreversibleInflammation of blood vesselsInfiltration of surrounding tissues may occurInfection possible at injection site

REFERENCESKee, J., & Hayes, E. (2012). Pharmacology: A nursing process approach (7th ed., p. 36,37). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders.Nursing pharmacology made incredibly easy! Ambler, PA: Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, 2013.ATI Nursing Education, RN Pharmacology for Nursing ed. 6.0 pg. 2-3Routes of Drug Administration. (n.d.). Retrieved September 7, 2015.

THANK YOUTHE END