The patient is under parenteral nutrition or is unable to take any solid or liquid food through the mouth. How do I administer the medicines to this patient?
In such cases the medicines are given in droppers from the Clinic. Mix 4 drops of the medicine with 2 teaspoons of water or one table spoon of water and administer it through the Ryle’s Tube or Naso Gastric Tube or Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) Tube. If there is no such tube or this isn’t possible, then administer two drops of the medicine (whether the liquid is clear or colored) directly onto the tongue or the inside of the lower lip of the patient. Occasionally it is recommended that BOTH these things be done, that is, administer two drops of the liquid medicine on tongue or lower lip AND administer the liquid medicines with water through the tube used for nutrition. Confirm with the Clinic if this is recommended in the case of the patient that you are caring for.
