Chapter 54

Chapter 54 discusses the multiple routes of administering medications. As a medical assistant you can give someone medication orally, topically, by inhalation, or injection. It is important to follow the ten rights, discussed in chapter 53, before giving the patient any medication. This chapter we studied and practice the proper way to give injections. Injections are given three different ways: intramuscular (90° angle), subcutaneous (45° angle), and Intradermal (10°-15° angle). The angle of the injection is important as well as the site you are giving it. Intramuscular can be given in the deltoid, gluteus medius, or vastus lateralis. Where as the Intradermal is given in the upper chest or forearm. Lastly the chapter discusses different medications that can be administered and what they are used for. Among a few are the polio vaccine, MMR vaccine, and Tetanus vaccine. This chapter discusses the importance of knowing how to properly administer medication to patients and the different vaccines you will be giving them.